The House is backing a multiyear construction plan designed to turn schools into more energy-efficient, healthier environments for the nation's schoolchildren.
The legislation approves $6.4 billion in the first year, and similar amounts over the next five years, for green high-performing school facilities. Supporters said it would also create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the construction industry.
The bill passed 275-155 and now must be considered by the Senate. The House passed similar legislation last year but the Senate did not take it up and President George W. Bush threatened to veto it.
This year, President Barack Obama has included school construction as part of his economic recovery package and supporters are more optimistic that the green school initiative will advance.
