House Republicans almost succeeded in killing the measure earlier this week, narrowly losing on a 207-206 procedural vote to consider the matter.

Democratic leaders were accused of violating House rules by allowing the vote to remain open for several extra minutes while they talked wavering Democrats into supporting the proposal.

An aide said that he did not expect Boehner to cooperate with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in appointing members to the board anytime soon, The Washington Times reported.

Pelosi, who had pushed hard for the Democrat-crafted measure, said the proposed six-member independent panel would do much to restore the House's tarnished image.

The measure calls for creation of an independent office to investigate ethical lapses among House members. The House Ethics Committee still would have final say on issues of guilt or innocence.