The Republican Congress’ lame-duck leadership rejected a last-minute push from D.C. voting rights advocates Tuesday, denying the historic bill a chance for a vote until at least the next legislative session.

Advocates for the bill promised to continue lobbying until Congress officially ends later this week, but their chances are slim. Outgoing House Majority Leader John Boehner of Ohio decided not to call the bill for a vote in the last week of Congress. Boehner rejected the bill after a meeting with Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., the bill’s champion.