The Hill: HHS spending bill stuck in impasse

Two conservative Republicans are holding up the Health and Human Services spending bill.

The two lawmakers, Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), say the spending measure costs too much and are demanding spending reductions, sources tell The Hill. Last week they sent a letter to House leaders saying they want spending levels for all spending bills to be in line with the budget put forward by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and approved by the House, instead of the debt-ceiling deal.

“We write to remind you that the spending cap for Fiscal Year 2012 included in the debt limit deal is a spending ceiling and not a spending floor,” the lawmakers wrote. “The House simply cannot push the level of discretionary spending for the coming year upwards as its first action after the extended debt ceiling debate.”