The controversy over the firing of House Chaplain Patrick J. Conroy made its way to the floor on Friday, as House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joseph Crowley offered a privileged resolution to establish a select committee to look into Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s ouster of the Jesuit priest.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., offered a motion to table the resolution, which was agreed to, 215-171, with three voting present.

While the vote killed the resolution, Crowley told reporters afterward that he plans to continue pushing the matter until members get answers. He declined to say what options he was exploring for further probing the matter, noting that would be revealed after the House returns from a one-week recess.

Two Republicans, Reps. Tom Reed of New York and Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania, joined Democrats in voting against the motion to table. GOP Reps. Dave Joyce of Ohio, Thomas J. Rooney of Florida and Scott Taylor of Virginia voted present.

A total of 39 members — 15 Republicans and 24 Democrats — did not vote. The measure was brought up after the House had concluded its weekly legislative business, after which members typically quickly hit the exits to catch planes and trains home.