WASHINGTON (AP) - Pacific Northwest lawmakers were split down the middle Monday as the House rejected a $700 billion emergency rescue for the nation's financial system.

Eight lawmakers from Washington, Oregon and Idaho voted in favor of the bailout, and eight voted against it.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said the bill debated Monday was better than a proposal last week from the Bush administration. The bill does more to protect the taxpayer, ensure Wall Street executives are held accountable and increase oversight, she said.

Still, McMorris Rodgers said she voted no, because, on principle, she is not convinced it is the right approach. Committing $700 billion tax dollars requires a longer, more thoughtful debate, she said.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said the bill would have ensured that taxpayers get a fair return on their investment.

Roll Call:

WASHINGTON -- Democrats - Baird, Y; Dicks, Y; Inslee, N; Larsen, Y; McDermott, Y; Smith, Y.

Republicans - Hastings, N; McMorris Rodgers, N; Reichert, N.

OREGON -- Democrats - Blumenauer, N; DeFazio, N; Hooley, Y; Wu, N.

Republicans - Walden, Y.

IDAHO -- Republicans - Sali, N; Simpson, Y.