The surprise development cast more uncertainty on the year-end budget talks that aim to prevent across-the-board tax hikes and spending cuts that could push the U.S. economy into recession next year.

Boehner had hoped to show that he has the full support of his party by passing a bill, known as "Plan B," through the House that would limit income-tax increases to the wealthiest sliver of the population, far less than Obama wants.

But he canceled the vote after failing to round up enough support from his party and sent lawmakers home for the Christmas holiday.

"The House did not take up the tax measure today because it did not have sufficient support from our members to pass," Boehner said in a statement after huddling with other Republican leaders.