But New York Republican Rep. Peter King rejected criticisms of pet projects, or earmarks.

CNN: Congress approves scaled-back Sandy aid bill

But the idea was rejected by other more hard-line Republicans, including Rep. Dick Armey, R-Texas, who said workers should stay off the job until a balanced budget is passed and signed by the president.

CNN: Budget impasse continues amid mix of pessimism and hope

In other floor action, the House debated and rejected, 194-225, an amendment by Republican Rep. Marge Roukema of New Jersey to replace a Transportation Department program that sets a goal of providing 10 percent of transportation projects to businesses owned by women and minorities with another program that would recruit and provide assistance to such businesses.

CNN: By Alan K. Ota, CQ Staff Writer

"The Republicans in the House have rejected their own speaker's proposal at this stage, " Rep. Xavier Becerra of California told reporters.

CNN: Boehner proposes short-term tax fix; Democrats say no