From CQ Today:

Republicans abruptly abandoned plans to seek a House vote on an offshore drilling bill on Tuesday, an acknowledgement that they could not muster a two-thirds majority to clear it without amendments. Some GOP aides said leaders plan to attach the bill (S 3711) to a package of tax breaks Republicans hope to pass before adjournment, although one leadership aide said no final decision has been made. Retiring House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., said things are “up in the air” when asked if he would put the offshore drilling measure in a tax extenders bill. Republicans abruptly abandoned plans to seek a House vote on an offshore drilling bill on Tuesday, an acknowledgement that they could not muster a two-thirds majority to clear it without amendments. Some GOP aides said leaders plan to attach the bill (S 3711) to a package of tax breaks Republicans hope to pass before adjournment, although one leadership aide said no final decision has been made. Retiring House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., said things are “up in the air” when asked if he would put the offshore drilling measure in a tax extenders bill….