GOP delays debate on 'Plan B' tax bill

House Republicans unexpectedly delayed debate on a bill from Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to maintain current tax rates for income below $1 million, and called a meeting at 7:45 p.m. in an apparent attempt to shore up support for the bill.

The meeting was called amid increasing signs that there may not be enough GOP support to pass the tax bill. An informal whip list put together by The Hill showed there were 26 Republicans who were firmly against, leaning or likely "no" votes.

Republicans can only afford to lose about two dozen GOP votes, and 25 other Republican offices declined to say where they were on the bill.

Just moments ago, 21 Republicans voted against a sequester replacement bill, more than the 16 who voted against the same bill in May. That could be a sign that Republicans are wary of the entire package and still oppose what they see as a tax increase on high-income earners, despite Boehner's attempt to pair it with spending cuts.

House leaders were silent on the meeting, and it was unclear whether or when the House would go back into session to take up the tax bill.

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