The House approved its $2.9 trillion version of the fiscal 2008 budget Thursday afternoon 216-210, with a dozen Democrats joining all Republicans in opposition to the bill.

“Our budget is a statement of our values and priorities, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to defend our nation, grow our economy, protect our children and strengthen families, preserve our plant, and ensure that the federal government is accountable and efficient,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

The budget marks the first time the chamber’s Democrats will set the nation’s fiscal priorities since 1994.

An alternative GOP proposal, offered by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the ranking member on the Budget Committee, failed 160-268.

Other alternatives put forth by the Congressional Black Caucus and the Progressive Caucus, both comprised of Democratic lawmakers, similarly failed.

Democratic leaders credited a relatively tranquil week leading to the budget vote to efforts by Budget Chairman John Spratt (D-S.C.), who met with and won the support of various Caucus factions in recent weeks, including the fiscally conservative Blue Dogs.

— Jennifer Yachnin