House approves non-controversial health bills

The House Tuesday night approved two non-controversial health bills under a suspension of House rules.

By a 401-12 vote, the House approved H.R. 570, which would make dental health a component of the national health security strategy. All 12 "no" votes came from Republicans.

By a 280-138 vote, the House also approved H.R. 525, which aims to increase the number of people in veterinary health services. While this measure passed relatively easily, more than 130 Republicans voted against it, and less than 100 Republicans supported it.

With these votes, the House finished its legislative business on Tuesday, and will return Wednesday to take up two bills that would terminate federal mortgage assistance programs. The House is expected to take up the rules to these two bills in the afternoon, as it will meet in a joint session with the Senate at 11 a.m. Wednesday to receive Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.