But today's vote suggested that they might not have enough to defeat the plan.
But Oregon's vote and the forthcoming court cases suggest that the issue may not be so divisive after all.
The vote suggested strong support for more fuel efficiency in cars.
But the vote clearly suggested that most other institutions supported richer pension benefits.
But the vote on Monday suggested that the climb might have grown tougher.
The vote suggests there is a majority to restrict access to abortion but not to eliminate it.
Today's vote suggests that there are plenty of votes in the House to sustain a veto.
The vote suggested that many members simply wanted to avoid calling new elections for fear they would lose their seats.
I hope that future votes will not again suggest we have 789 Members.
But last night's vote suggests it also wants the President to make sure the Government does not become too harsh.