Washington ? Chafing over a “wardrobe malfunction” and racy radio shock-jock programs, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday authorizing unprecedented fines for indecency.

Lawmakers sought to hit broadcasters where it hurts — the pocketbook — in approving the measure 389-38, rejecting criticism that the penalties would stifle free speech and expression and further homogenize programming.

The bill would increase the maximum fine from $32,500 to $500,000 for a company and from $11,000 to $500,000 for an individual entertainer.

“With passage of this legislation, I am confident that broadcasters will think twice about pushing the envelope,” said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., chairman of the House telecommunications panel and author of the bill. “Our kids will be better off for it.”

The White House said in a statement that it strongly supported the legislation that “will make broadcast television and radio more suitable for family viewing.”

A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate, where it has broad bipartisan support. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, chairman of the Commerce Committee, has said he wants to act on the bill quickly, but he hasn’t given a timetable.

Any differences in the two bills would have to be resolved before it can go to President Bush for his signature. Last year the two chambers were unable to reach a compromise.