Amid grumbling from more conservative Republicans on Capitol Hill, Speaker John Boehner told his colleagues at a closed door meeting that a two year budget deal worked out with the White House deserved their support, as the agreement seemed likely to get bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
"It's a solid agreement," Boehner told reporters. "There isn't any reason why any member should vote against this."
The plan met with fierce resistance from members of the Freedom Caucus, who actively worked to push Boehner out as Speaker.
"Anyone who supports this legislation is complicit in supporting 'the way things are' in Washington," said Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), who went to the floor in July armed with a resolution to force Boehner out.
But even among Boehner opponents, there was a sense of resignation.
"I think every Democrat will vote for it and there will be enough Republicans that ultimately the deal will be passed," said Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ), who joined other critics in decrying the last minute nature of the agreement, which was filed just before midnight on Monday night.
"I doubt this gets a majority of Republicans," said Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY), who said the next Speaker should reject this deal.
The plan is much like one worked out two years ago by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), as he told Republicans today that the process "stinks."
"I'm in full agreement - it stinks," Speaker Boehner said to reporters. "This is no way to run a railroad."
But Boehner and others argued it was better than just raising the debt limit, and getting no changes in defense spending or entitlements.
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