Before pushing an alternative to a Senate bid to end the government shutdown on Tuesday, conservative Republicans in the House of Representatives reportedly sang “Amazing Grace,” a Christian hymn usually reserved for funerals.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) told reporters that the sing-a-long proved that House Republicans were solidly behind that bill that would make minor changes to the president’s health reform law, like stripping insurance subsidies for politicians and delaying the medical device tax.

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The plan was expected to throw a wrench into a deal worked out between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to end the government shutdown.

According to The Washington Post, Rep. Steve Southerland (R-FL) led the GOP caucus in singing “Amazing Grace.” Southerland has a background in the funeral home business, where he was known for singing hymns at grave sites.

[Photo credit: Flickr/Rep. Steve Southerland]