The legislation is expected to be voted on later Tuesday. It would allow drilling 50 miles beyond shore if a state agrees to offshore oil or gas development.
Republicans in Congress slammed the measure, saying that it would keep off limits nearly 90% of offshore oil because it lies within 50 miles of land.
The bill also calls for $18 billion in taxes on the largest oil companies, with the money to be used for tax breaks for alternative energy such as solar, wind and biomass.
Democrats in Washington called it a balanced bill aimed at shifting priorities from fossil fuels to other energy sources.
House passes drilling bill
