The vote reflects wide-spread public opposition to the deal that sees Dubai Ports World (DP World) acquire control of some US port operations in its US$6.9 billion (AU$9.4 billion) take over for Britain’s P&O.
The Republican-run House Appropriations Committee voted 62 to two in favour of the amendment, but US President George W Bush has said he will veto any legislation that would prevent the deal.
A full House could consider the amendment as early as new week.
Challenge to the president
Both Republicans and Democrats fear national security will be compromised if the key ports go under the management of the United Arab Emirates-controlled DP World.
Democrats are also clamouring to have the same matter put before the Republican-led Senate.
"We believe an overwhelming majority will vote to end the deal," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York, whose attempt to force the issue to the floor brought the Senate to a late-afternoon standstill.
The House committee also pitted itself against the president by adding to the ports amendment a provision to pay for the recovery of Hurricane Katrina-ravaged states and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.