The underlying bill, which was approved 397-25, is unusual because it is the first to authorize programs and spending for the Transportation Security Administration since the agency was created in 2001.

The bill would create programs, advisory groups and grant spending to beef up security at the nation's airports and rail systems, as well as when it comes to trucking hazardous materials. Overall, the bill would authorize $11.4 billion in new discretionary spending over the next five years.

Lawmakers from both parties, as well as labor and business groups, praised the bill's passage.

"This legislation is the result of months of bipartisan effort with significant contributions from stakeholders across the board," Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson said.

He added that the bill "steers TSA on a course to becoming an effective agency that works to enhance security in all our transportation sectors, partners with key stakeholders, and does a better job of utilizing technology, such as biometrics, to address gaps in security."

Before the final vote, lawmakers voted 310-118 to approve an amendment that would prohibit TSA from using whole-body imaging machines at primary security checkpoints at airports. The machines could be used for secondary screening of passengers.