Today the House passed a $6.4 billion multiyear school construction bill for a 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, reduce energy consumption and create healthier, cleaner learning environments. The bill create will grants and low interest loans so school districts can build and modernize schools to make them safer and more energy-efficient.

The plan faced Republican opposition over the cost of the bill, which was made a part of Obama’s economic stimulus plan, passed 275-155.

Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Ky., sponsor of the legislation, said, “It will give much needed money to our schools struggling with huge budget deficits and deteriorating facilities while encouraging energy efficency and creating jobs for Americans that cannot be shipped overseas.”