Republicans, however, were adamant that the measure not move forward on the basis of the bills that had already passed.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has repeatedly warned wavering House Democrats of dire electoral consequences if they seek to use the budget procedure to shove the bill down the throats of the American people.

“Looking at this poll data one could conclude that you would be history if you voted for this bill,” he said. “I assure you that if this bill is somehow passed, it won’t be behind our Democratic friends, it’ll be ahead of them because every election in America this fall will be a referendum on this issue.”

He added, “There’s an overwhelming likelihood that every Republican candidate will be campaigning to repeal it.”