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he House of Representatives Thursday passed a six-year, $284 billion highway bill.

The measure, approved by a 417-9 vote, would fund safety, transit and other transportation projects.

The bill included provisions that would allow tolls on interstate highways, require some fuel surcharges and exempted some industry groups from driver hours-of-service rules.

Observers said one factor driving Congress toward quick passage was the addition by President Bush of nearly $28 billion to his proposal for the bill as part of his 2006 budget.

The White House reiterated its support for a bill that would not exceed the $284 billion level and said in a statement the president may veto any measure higher than that.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is scheduled to take up its version of the bill next Wednesday.

The House passed a similar, $275 billion measure last year but the Senate passed a different version and the two bodies could not agree on a compromise.