Cantor: We've got the votes to pass the budget deal

Cantor said that, based on indications from Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), the measure will pass.

“From the discussions I’ve had with him, he’s indicated that there’s strong Republican support and we’re going to pass this bill with Republicans,” Cantor said.

If there are two dozen or more Republican defections, that could force the GOP to depend on Democratic votes. It’s expected that the spending measure will attract some Democratic votes, but they won’t come easily, given cuts in the measure to education, healthcare and other programs traditionally cherished by the party.