Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Ill., gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, July 28, 2011, where House Republican freshmen announced they'll vote yes later Thursday on the GOP plan to raise the debt limit. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)WASHINGTON - House Republican leaders have abruptly delayed a vote on a bill extending the government's debt limit and cutting federal spending.
One House aide said the vote would occur later Thursday evening. It was initially unclear why the vote, which had appeared imminent, was postponed.
The House was nearing the end of its debate on the legislation when Republicans suddenly shifted gears. They instead moved to a bill renaming a post office in Peoria, Ill.
GOP leaders have been laboring to line up the 216 votes the debt bill would need to pass the House, and they have encountered opposition from some conservatives. There are 240 Republicans in the House.
Few if any Democrats are expected to support the measure, which faces near-certain defeat in the Democratic-run Senate.