With a battle royal looming, the House was preparing to start debate late Thursday on a five-year farm bill that Republicans angrily denounced.

In an early morning session, the Rules Committee approved a framework for debate that allows consideration of 31 amendments and links a $4 billion tax measure and series of energy fees to the legislation.

Agriculture Chairman Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., predicted the farm bill (HR 2419) would pass, despite GOP complaints about the tax and energy provisions.

“Oh yeah, we’ve got the votes,” Peterson said, adding that at least four Republicans had indicated they planned to vote for the measure.

The Agriculture chairman worked feverishly overnight to cut deals designed to assure the “yes” votes of wavering Democrats

After a morning Democratic Caucus meeting, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., predicted Democrats would hold together to pass the bill. “I don’t think we’re counting on Republican votes,” Pelosi said.

Peterson said Republican leaders were overstating opposition among their members, adding that it would be tough for rural Republicans to justify voting against the bill when they return to their districts for the August recess.

“I don’t think the leadership is speaking for all of them,” Peterson said.