House Democrats defy Obama on tax cut bill

From Dana Bash and Deirdre Walsh, CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -  House Democrats voted Thursday not to bring up a tax package that President Barack Obama had negotiated with Republicans, raising questions over the president's influence in his own party.

"This message today is very simple. That in the form that it was negotiated, it is not acceptable to the House Democratic caucus," said Democratic Rep. Chris Van Hollen. "It's as simple as that."

Van Hollen pledged to "work with the White House and our Republican
colleagues to try and make sure we do something right for the economy and right for jobs," he said.

After the vote, the White House said it remains confident "that the major
components" of the tax compromise will pass, according to White House
spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

Check out the complete story on CNN Politics.

CNN's Ed Henry and John Helton contributed to this report.