Last night the House of Representatives passed legislation overturning a 27-year-old moratorium on new offshore oil wells. The bill would allow for oil exploration beginning 50 miles off the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as some portions of the Gulf of Mexico. It would also strip out $14 billion in tax breaks for oil companies. The measure passed by a 236-189 margin.

Republican Rep. Jim Ramstad joined Minnesota’s five Democratic legislators in voting for the measure. Reps. Michele Bachmann and John Kline (pictured), both of whom have made expanded oil drilling a central part of their re-election campaigns, voted against the measure.

Republicans have argued that the Democratic-backed legislation doesn’t go far enough, insisting that drilling be allowed as close as three miles from shore. GOP leaders also want coastal states to receive a share of revenues from expanded offshore drilling and an expansion of nuclear power. Bachmann referred to the legislation as a “hoax” and a “charade” yesterday on the House floor.

It is uncertain if the Senate will take up similar legislation. The White House has threatened to veto the measure.

Steve Sarvi, who is challenging Kline in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District, released a statement this morning criticizing the incumbent’s vote. “In case there was ever any question, John Kline proved today that it’s Big Oil’s way or the highway, never mind America’s need for gas price relief or an energy plan for the future,” Sarvi said in the statement. “The bill Mr. Kline voted against will bring down gas prices and invest in a clean, renewable energy future.”