Bipartisan Budget Deal Clears U.S. House

Getty Images - Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray crafted budget deal that cleared the U.S. House on Thursday

The House has given sweeping bipartisan approval to a budget bill backed by both President Barack Obama, his Democratic allies and a big majority of the chamber's Republicans.

The 332-94 vote sends the measure to the Senate, where Republicans are more skeptical. But the Democratic-led chamber appears sure to adopt the measure next week and send it to Obama for his signature.

The package was drafted by a congressional odd couple of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray. The Wisconsin Republican and Washington Democrat found enough compromise to ease the harshest effects of another round of automatic spending cuts set to hit the Pentagon and domestic agencies next month.

Supporters of the measure easily beat back attacks on it from conservative activists.

The White House says today's bi-partisan House vote to ease across-the-board federal spending cuts and head off future government shutdowns shows ``both sides can work together to get things done.''

Spokesman Jay Carney also says it shows Washington ``can and should stop governing by crisis.'' (Associated Press)