how many votes does the house need to pass a bill

Direct answer: In the U.S. House of Representatives, a simple majority is required to pass a bill, which means 218 votes if all 435 members vote. If members are abstaining or not voting, the number needed can be slightly lower or higher depending on who is present, but the standard threshold for passage is a majority of those voting. For a typical bill, 218 aye votes are needed when all 435 are considered, or a majority of those present and voting in practice. For constitutional amendments or certain special rules, different thresholds can apply, such as a two-thirds vote in the Senate for some actions, but in the House a simple majority is the usual standard for passage.