The House is moving toward approval of bipartisan legislation that would exempt U.S. health plans sold to expatriate workers from having to comply with mandates under the Affordable Care Act.

The measure debated Tuesday is aimed at helping U.S. insurance companies that compete overseas with foreign firms that do not have to comply with patient protections and other requirements.

Supporters said it’s necessary to allow U.S. companies to compete and protect jobs. But many Democrats called it a giveaway to the insurance industry and the White House announced its opposition.

The GOP-controlled House has passed more than 50 bills to repeal or cancel out the health law. Opponents cast Tuesday’s measure as the latest attempt, but supporters said they were trying to improve it.

(AP)