The legislation was a key part of the Democratic energy agenda to lower gas prices.

The vote was 268-157 in favor, but Democrats needed a two-thirds majority because the legislation was placed on the "suspension calendar," which prevents Republicans from bringing up procedural motions in connection with the bill, The Hill, a Washington political newspaper, reported.

All of the Democrats and 37 Republicans voted in favor.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., denied Democrats were using the suspension calendar to avoid a vote on opening up parts of the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska to drilling.