The Texas House passed a sweeping school choice bill on Wednesday that Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) celebrated as a historic achievement and pledged to sign into law swiftly. In an 85-63 vote, legislators gave the initial green light to Senate Bill 2,

After hours of debate — and years of pushing from Gov. Greg Abbott — the Texas House approved a bill to create an Education Savings Account plan. The school voucher program would allow parents to use public funds toward private school costs.

The Texas House gives initial approval to a $7.6 billion public school funding proposal that could soon head to the Texas Senate.