House overwhelmingly approves two-year budget plan on a bipartisan vote

The House approved a two-year spending plan on Thursday evening, in a strong bipartisan vote that underscored the desire by many lawmakers to avoid a repeat of the October budget showdown.

The bill was approved 332-94, over the objections of conservatives concerned it would increase spending in the short-term and liberals concerned it would not extend long-term jobless aid.

The bill now goes to the Senate. The House vote indicates the bill could be on a relatively clear path to the president’s desk, in sharp contrast to the protracted budget standoff in the fall which resulted in a partial government shutdown.

Lawmakers face a Jan. 15 deadline this time around to approve a spending plan.

The bill was approved with more Republican that Democratic votes. House Speaker John Boehner was among those voting yes — notable because the speaker often does not vote.

Among the 32 Democratic no’s was House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland, reflecting a rare split in the Democratic leadership.

The final breakdown was 169 Republicans and 163 Democrats voting yes and 62 Republicans and 32 Democrats voting no.

The White House immediately issued a statement saying the bill’s passage “marks an important moment of bipartisan cooperation and shows Washington can and should stop governing by crisis.”

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