Correction Appended

The House on Thursday moved to proceed to debate on a bill that would block federal funding for National Public Radio.

The passage of the rule for the bill to cut NPR funding comes one week after the resignation of NPR fundraiser Ron Schiller, who came under fire for making controversial remarks about the tea party. The rule passed by a vote of 236-181, and a final vote on the bill is expected Thursday afternoon.

NPR Executive Director Vivian Schiller, who is not related to Ron Schiller, was also fired in the wake of the incident, which drew sharp criticism from Republicans and conservative activists.

The GOP resolution, sponsored by Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), also prohibits NPR from using federal funds to buy programming. According to NPR, 2 percent of its funding comes from federally sponsored competitive grants.

The vote was along party lines with one exception: Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) aligned with Republicans in voting for the rule.

Correction: March 17, 2011

The original version of the article misstated that final passage of the bill had occurred. The House instead voted to proceed to debate on the bill.