State officials said they were suspending the program to give federal officials time to investigate the vaccine's role in three heart attack deaths.

Despite widespread agreement that compensation is needed for injuries or deaths caused by the vaccine, which carries rare but serious risks, the House has been unable to agree on a package of benefits.

Monday, the House defeated, 206-184, a GOP-backed bill establishing a set of payments. Republicans were invoking rules needing a two-thirds majority, but they failed to get even a simple majority.

All involved with the government's smallpox program believe it is imperative that Congress establish compensatory payments. Congress has already barred most lawsuits that might stem from the vaccine, and state workers' compensation programs offer only spotty coverage.

The number of people volunteering for the shot is well below what was expected, partly because of concerns that injured people won't be compensated for medical expenses, lost work time and other expenses.

Seven states - Arizona, California, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New York and Vermont - have suspended their programs. An eighth state, Connecticut, ordered a two-day suspension.

The Republican bill, based on a proposal from President Bush, would provide $262,100 if a person should die or be permanently and totally disabled by the vaccine. The amount is based on an existing program to compensate injured police and firefighters.

Those less severely injured by the vaccine could receive up to $50,000 per year in lost wages, up to a maximum of $262,100, if they were out of work for at least five days. They could also get unpaid medical expenses.

The Democrats' version would provide the same $262,100 for those who die or are permanently disabled but would pay $75,000 per year in lost wages, with no lifetime cap.