House Republicans passed a measure Tuesday that would allowcompanies to offer employees compensatory time rather thantime-and-a-half pay, something supporters say would enhanceworkers' scheduling options but opponents warn would erodeprotections.

“Nothing should stop us from doing what we can right now to helpmake life a little easier for moms and dads,” the bill's sponsor,Alabama Republican Rep. Martha Roby, said during the floor debatepreceding the vote.

The bill passed on a largely party-line vote of 229 to 197. Asimilar one passed the House in 1996, 1997 and 2013, only to failto get through the Senate — where it again faces hurdles. MajorityLeader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican whose office declinedto comment, hasn't indicated whether he plans to take up themeasure.