After a disappointing review from the Congressional Budget Office, House Speaker John Boehner told fellow Republicans in a closed door meeting this morning that he's working with the CBO to tweak his original debt limit plan. Lawmakers say it could be released later today.
But as Republicans emerged from their meeting in the Capitol, there were still signs of divisions that have left GOP leaders short on votes for their debt limit bill.
"We're talking as a family," said Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), who said he was sticking with his party's leaders.
"I believe the Speaker is on the right track," Latta added.
Others though reiterated their opposition to the plan, while some key conservative Republicans remained on the fence.
"My standard has always been that I will not vote for an increase in the debt ceiling without real and meaningful spending cuts," said Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), as he told reporters that he is undecided.
Pence though seemed to leave the door open to supporting his leadership if there is a vote this week on a "clean" version of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
"That has an opportunity to win 290 votes," Pence told a knot of reporters in a basement Capitol hallway.
"It was a good morning," said Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) about the GOP meeting, as he reserved judgment while waiting for the changes in the Boehner plan.
"I'm waiting to see what comes out," said Miller, one of many Republicans sporting seersucker suits on another warm July day in Washington, D.C.
"I don't know where the numbers are right now," Miller added, as GOP leaders still seem to be short of a majority in the House at this point.
Republicans told reporters they expect to be called back for another meeting later today, where a revised Boehner plan may be presented.
The House was scheduled to vote today on a GOP debt limit plan, but that has been pushed back at least until Thursday.
"I'm confident the Speaker will get the votes to pass this," said Rep. Steve Austria (R-OH), as word filitered in of some Republicans switching from being opposed to supporting the plan.
"It's not a perfect plan, but I support the Speaker," Austria added.
