House Could Be In Next Week

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) threatened to keep lawmakers in session through next week after Republicans once again stalled action on the floor to wage a procedural protest against a children's health care measure

In addition, Hoyer vowed to break an historic norm by sending the two remaining spending bills before the House to the Rules Committee in order to prevent minority lawmakers from overloading the legislation with excessive amendments that would further slow consideration.

The flap erupted Tuesday evening when Republicans sabotaged action on the House floor to protest the Democrats' decision to limit debate on legislation to expand children's health care programs at the expense of cigarette smokers and some low-income seniors.

Hoyer made his announcement to cut off debate for the night, derailing the schedule for this last week before members leave town for the summer.