The chamber acted as the Nov. 1 expiration of the ban fast approaches. The bill was passed despite grumbling by members who back a permanent fix that Democratic leaders limited debate and barred amendments.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., hailed the vote, saying in a statement that it would "promote innovation, affordable Internet access, and broadband services for American consumers and businesses." She urged the Senate to pass the measure by Nov. 1.

But on the House floor, Eshoo was highly critical. "I'm very disappointed with what the Judiciary Committee came out with," she said, emphasizing that few bills garner as much support as hers, which has 238 co-sponsors.

North Carolina Democratic Rep. Mel Watt, who backs a four-year extension, said the Senate has warned that a permanent ban is dead on arrival. "The last time I checked, the definition of politics was the art of compromise," he said. "We are doing what is necessary to move a bill."

A temporary continuation would let Congress revisit the ban and make necessary changes, he said. "Every time we think we know the outer limits of the Internet," someone comes along with a new technology, he added.

Virginia Republican Rep. Bob Goodlatte, who co-chairs the Congressional Internet Caucus and supports a permanent fix, accused Democrats of "suppressing" the will of Congress. "Party politics have trumped good policy in bringing this legislation to the floor,” he declared.

Telecommunications companies and online retailers officially support a durable solution but have endorsed the House bill to secure relief before the prohibition expires. The Business Software Alliance, National Association of Counties and National Cable and Telecommunications Association all sent letters to Congress backing a four-year moratorium.

Industry and congressional sources expect the Senate to consider a temporary extension as well, though some companies are urging the upper chamber to surpass the House-adopted timeframe. "This makes it even harder to get a permanent ban," said David Kaut, a telecom analyst at the investment firm Stifel Nicolaus, adding that four-to-six years is now more likely.

Sources said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., might broker a deal to move the House-passed bill, possibly in a revised form, directly to the floor. A vote before the Senate Commerce Committee on related legislation is considered less likely, especially since the panel recently canceled a debate over a six-year ban.

The wireless association CTIA, Don't Tax Our Web coalition, Telecommunication Industry Association and U.S. Telecom Association were pleased by the House vote.

But Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign expressed disappointment. "Americans should know that a majority of Congress, including Democrats and Republicans, are fighting to make this permanent," he said in a statement.

At a press briefing, Republican senators accused Democrats of seeking to stifle debate on a permanent exemption. "All we want is an opportunity to debate and vote on the issue," said Republican Sen. John Sununu of New Hampshire.