The full House will get a chance next week to consider a budget blueprint Democrats proudly say complies with pay-as-you-go standards, even as senators begin to waver from such principles.

The House Budget Committee adopted its plan by a party-line 22-17 vote at almost 1:00 this morning. In a day-long markup, Democrats applauded Budget Chairman Spratt for a budget they said restores fiscal discipline while boosting spending for certain priorities. Republicans said the budget would raise taxes and failed to address entitlements. Republicans offered almost 30 amendments addressing a wide range of issues, including tax policy, earmarks, the line-item veto and emergency spending. All were rejected on party-line votes — except for a couple non-controversial amendments and a Democratic "perfecting" amendment, which were adopted. House floor consideration of the budget is expected next week.

Spratt acknowledged shortcomings in his budget but argued it was a step in the right direction. "The budget resolution we present today is no grand solution. We, as they say, play the ball where it lies ... But it moves us the right way; it moves us to balance in five years." Responding to GOP arguments the budget would result in the expiration of Bush's tax cuts, he said it was neutral with regard to taxes and argued that debate on extending the tax cuts should occur closer to their expiration date and in the context of the budgetary situation at that time. The budget foresees a $153 billion surplus by fiscal 2012.

The Democratic budget would allow for more than $24 billion in total discretionary spending above levels requested by President Bush, including another $2 billion in advance appropriations. Its discretionary spending level is also $6.5 billion more than the Senate-reported budget. Panel member and conservative Blue Dog Democrat Allen Boyd said in a brief interview he was satisfied with the spending level, noting the increase for pure domestic discretionary spending (excluding defense, veterans, homeland security, and international affairs) was "very modest."