Democrats took a somewhat rocky first step to get a health care reform bill back on track in the House, as their party leaders struck a deal with more moderate Blue Dog Democrats.

But as soon as details of their deal filtered out, it drew sharp opposition from more liberal Democrats, who felt like the agreement gave away too much.

For now, the plan is for the Energy and Commerce Committee to reconvene today - after a ten day break for negotiations - and resume the public markup of the health care bill.

Four Blue Dogs on that committee have agreed to stick with the Democrats on some key matters, which would give them enough votes to keep the overall bill on track.

But the key part of this deal postponed any House vote on reform until after Labor Day.

"We believe every member of Congress should have the opportunity to not only read the bill, but spend the month of August visiting with their constituents about it," said Rep. Mike Ross, the lead Blue Dog negotiator on this health care measure.

As we chased Ross down the hall yesterday, he was emphatic about what he liked the most in the deal.

"We cut the cost of the bill by more than $100 billion dollars," the Arkansas Democrat said.

When asked what would happen if Democrats tinkered with the bill and went back on the variety of deals reached with the Blue Dogs, Ross was clear about his intentions.

"If it does (change) then they better not be counting on my vote."

As I've said in recent days, most of the time, the Blue Dogs talk a big game and then fold.  This time they did cut a deal, but it certainly does not guarantee victory for the Democrats.

We'll see if the deal holds together or not.