The House is expected to vote today on an amendment to the fiscal 2005 agriculture bill that would allow over-the-counter sales of the “morning after” pill, reversing a recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA’s May 6th announcement that they would no longer allow non-prescription sales of the contraceptive Plan B after voting to allow it in December 2003 has caused Democrats to accuse the FDA of caving to political pressure from conservative groups. This amendment, offered by Democratic Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney of New York and Henry A. Waxman of California, faces opposition from Republicans who believe the drug could increase teen pregnancy.

Debate on the $83.7 billion agriculture appropriations bill began Monday and a vote is expected Tuesday. Democrats protested that the $16.8 billion in discretionary spending, which is below the fiscal 2004 level, will not be enough to fund essential programs.