Some Democratic lawmakers are seeking changes to the package that could derail the bill. Democratic leaders are staying hands-off, leaving it to President Barack Obama to persuade fellow Democrats not to put the package at risk by imposing a higher estate tax than he negotiated with Republicans.
"I think the president has been working it hard," Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., a member of the House Democratic leadership team, said Thursday.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed the package Wednesday, with broad bipartisan support. Obama is urging the House to pass it without changes, so he can sign it into law before a sweeping series of tax cuts expires at the end of December.
But first, they will hold a vote on imposing the higher estate tax, backed by rebellious Democrats who say the package is too generous to the wealthy.
House Democratic leaders originally arranged for a final vote on the measure by Thursday evening, but the timetable was in danger of slipping after a dispute arose over the terms of the debate.
"This is a vote people are making for their consciences, and for their districts," said Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Rules Committee.
House Democratic leaders are not twisting arms on the estate tax vote, Slaughter said. They are leaving that to the White House.
Many House Democrats, even critics of the bill, are resigned to it ultimately passing with the lower estate tax, especially after the Senate approved it, 81-19.
