WASHINGTON — A rescue package for debt-stricken Puerto Rico has cleared a major hurdle in the House and now heads to the Senate just three weeks before the island owes a $2 billion debt payment to creditors.

The House on Thursday passed legislation to create a financial control board and allow restructuring of some of Puerto Rico’s $70 billion debt. In a rare display of political unity, the bill had the support of President Barack Obama, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

“The Puerto Rican people are our fellow Americans. They pay our taxes, they fight in our wars. We cannot allow this to happen,” Ryan said in a speech.

The 297-127 vote in favor of the bill was a victory for Ryan, who had urged his colleagues, especially reluctant conservatives in the GOP caucus, to back the bill. He participated closely in negotiations on the legislation, which was one of the first major bills he shepherded through the House,