Influence Alley

Lawmakers are sticking around Washington this week -- and maybe even next week -- as negotiations continue over how exactly the country will avert the fiscal cliff.

But they'll have to name a post office or two to keep busy.

That's right, if you're looking for a vote on the farm bill, or Violence Against Women Act, or postal reform, don't hold your breath.

Instead, lawmakers will vote on provisions such as renaming three post offices, two courthouses and a flight center, according to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's weekly schedule. They'll also consider legislation such as the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012 and amending the U.S. code so that a video tape service provider can get a consumer's consent through the Internet.

There's at least 18 suspension votes scheduled this week in the lower chamber. It's pretty typical for Congress to kill time with non-controversial items when more politically-fraught negotiations are going on, since tough votes can complicate discussions.