It would direct the federal government to examine how to require drug makers to refund money to employer-sponsored health plans when the companies raised prices above the rate of inflation.

The government would have to issue regulations based on its study — a key element that Jayapal said would force federal agencies to further rein in drug prices.

But in a meeting with advocacy groups this afternoon, top Democratic leadership and committee staffers said the final bill would drop the mandate that the government impose new regulations — only requiring it to only conduct a study, multiple people in the room said.

The staffers added that the Congressional Budget Office predicted that a similar provision in the legislation requiring inflation-based rebates in Medicare would not prompt drug companies to shift costs and charge health plans higher prices, according to two people in the room — a fear progressives have cited as justification for Jayapal’s language.

Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for Jayapal pointed to her tweet Thursday night calling for the inclusion of her amendment and “other progressive priorities.”

Democratic leadership previously floated the idea of killing Jayapal’s provision over concerns about its wording, only to reverse course and signal to progressives they planned to keep it in the legislation.

If top Democrats follow through weakening the language now, it’s likely to inflame progressives who've long been upset over leadership’s handling of the legislation. Liberals led by Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas contend they’ve been shut out of the bill’s drafting, and warned earlier today that they could vote against the legislation if Democratic leaders decline to make a series of progressive changes.

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“I’ve tried to be positive throughout this and to talk about improving the bill rather than opposing the bill,” Doggett said. “But it would be really difficult to vote for it if no improvements are made.”

In addition to Jayapal’s amendment, House progressives are also pushing for changes that would fully eliminate the ban on Medicare’s ability to directly negotiate drug prices, as well as make the prices that the government does negotiate under the legislation available to the uninsured.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) a leader of the House progressive caucus, said he’s told Democratic leaders that some on the left may vote against the bill if they fail to win more concessions, adding that he’s planning to raise the issue with leadership again early next week.

Top Democrats, though, are eager to speed the bill to the floor amid pressure from vulnerable members eager to show they're focusing on priorities beyond impeachment. That likely will leave little time for last-minute tweaks.

Staffers told advocacy groups this morning they expect the House Rules Committee to take up the bill on Tuesday, with a full House vote no later than Thursday.