House spending, healthcare repeal votes on

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has scheduled votes within the next 10 days on cutting office expenses and to repeal the healthcare law, officials say.

The House, one day after the Republicans take control, on Thursday will consider a resolution that would cut office expenses by 5 percent, The Hill reported.

Republican officials estimate the budget cuts will save $35.2 million in 2011, a House aide said. The resolution, effective for two years if enacted, also would lop salaries and expenses at personal and leadership offices by 5 percent.

Cuts to leadership offices were projected to save $1 million; reductions by committees would capture $8.1 million in savings; and cuts to members' office budgets would squirrel away $26.1 million, aides said.

"While only a first step, these cuts provide real savings for the American people and demonstrate our commitment to ending the culture of spending here in Washington," Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., the bill's sponsor, said in a release.

House Republicans also plan to fulfill a campaign pledge to vote to repeal the healthcare reform law next week, The Hill said. Incoming House majority leader, Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., said the vote is scheduled for Jan. 12.

"Obamacare is a job killer for businesses small and large, and the top priority for House Republicans is going to be to cut spending and grow the economy and jobs," Cantor spokesman Brad Dayspring said. "Further, Obamacare failed to lower costs as the president promised that it would and does not allow people to keep the care they currently have if they like it. That is why the House will repeal it next week."

Senate Democrats, still the majority in the upper chamber, vowed to block a repeal bill from a vote.