BBC
Private security contractors in Iraq could face prosecution in the US if they commit crimes, under a bill passed by the US House of Representatives.
The vote comes amid investigations into the role of the private security firm, Blackwater in the fatal shooting of 11 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad last month.
Senate Democratic leaders said they planned to vote on a similar bill soon.
Meanwhile, the state department said it had handed over its inquiry into the incident to the FBI.
The shift occurred in preparation for the possibility that the case could be later referred to the US justice department or Iraqi authorities for further action, the White House said.
An FBI spokesman said criminal charges were possible against Blackwater staff if its inquiry agreed with the Iraqi government's findings.
Iraq has accused Blackwater's employees of opening fire on civilians at al-Nisoor square in Baghdad without provocation, a charge the firm denies.
Blackwater's founder Erik Prince has insisted his firm's personnel acted in self-defence after insurgents attacked the US diplomatic convoy they were protecting.
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