House passes bill to ban use of welfare funds for strip clubs, casinos and alcohol

The House passed legislation Wednesday that would prevent welfare recipients from spending money on adult entertainment, alcohol or gambling.

The bill's sponser, Rep. Charles Boustany, (R-LA), said that the measure was in response to reports that people had used welfare funds inappropriately.

The Welfare Integrity Now for Children and Families Act of 2011 is part of a package of measures that Republicans want to include in an upcoming agreement to extend the payroll tax cut over the next year.

Democrats supported the measure but criticized Republicans for not focusing on larger national problems, such as job creation.

The vote was 395 to 26.

Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.