House Republicans have backed down on their opposition to a bipartisan Senate measure to extend a payroll tax cut set to expire at year’s end. On Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner relented following growing criticism from within his own party. Announcing a deal with Senate Democrats, Boehner said a full-year payroll tax cut will be negotiated through conference committee.

House Speaker John Boehner: “The Senate will join the House in immediately appointing conferees, with instructions to reach an agreement in the weeks ahead on a full, one-year payroll tax deduction, along with unemployment reforms, an extension of unemployment [benefits], and the so-called 'doc fix' for two years. We expect that there will—these members will work expeditiously to complete the one-year extension that all of us want.”

Boehner had previously insisted on including a number of unrelated proposals, including the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada. In his remarks, Boehner said he retains hope that Keystone will be approved as part of the long-term spending deal.

House Speaker John Boehner: “One important provision in this measure that I want to highlight is the Keystone pipeline. As you know, this project would create tens of thousands of jobs in our country. This jobs project has bipartisan support in the House and Senate. It’s backed by a broad-based coalition. And I hope the President will approve this pipeline to put those Americans to work.”