The US House of Representatives has approved a two-year federal budget bill in a strong showing of cross-party support, further avoiding the spectre of another government shutdown.

The measure, written by the Republican and Democratic heads of the House and Senate budget committees respectively, was approved by a 332-94 vote.

The budget proposal next goes to the Democrat-led Senate for approval.

US House Speaker John Boehner (second from left) had publicly supported the budget bill before the chamber's vote on Thursday

US President Barack Obama has already publicly endorsed the bill.

The deal, reached on Tuesday and aiming to reduce the federal deficit by up to $23bn (£14bn), was met with overwhelming cross-party approval in the Republican-led House despite initial attacks from conservative activists.

(Source: BBC)