"The House on Thursday passed the first major bill related to the Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion, voting to allow families of those killed and injured workers to be compensated far more generously than current law allows.

While families of the 11 killed and the 17 injured would benefit under the legislation, the bill also would apply to all companies operating on the high seas.

The passed the bill on a voice vote, with no recorded vote. The bill now goes to the Senate.

The legislation has strong political overtones."

Larry Margasak reports for the Associated Press July 2, 2010. [2]