House Democrats, lead by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were initially hesitant to take the first step without assurances that the Senate could guarantee that the package of technical fixes - which strip out some unpopular benefits to single states and delay a proposed tax on high-cost insurance plans - would be passed.

Some conservative House Democrats also threatened to revolt and vote against the measure because the Senate language restricting funding of abortions is less strict than what passed the House, though Pelosi ultimately expressed her confidence the measure would be enacted.

“I feel very confident that the up or down vote on the majority rule proposal that will come to the House will satisfy Members' concerns about the Senate bill,” Pelosi said. “The substance has moved much closer to the House . . . Our members are very excited about what is coming next.”