Story highlights House lawmakers moved toward approving a budget deal Wednesday which lessens the chance of the government shutting down

House Speaker John Boehner hands the incoming speaker-designee, Paul Ryan, a much less contentious legislative slate

Washington (CNN) The House of Representatives voted 266-167 Wednesday to approve a budget deal that raises the nation's debt ceiling through March 2017, potentially avoiding a fiscal crisis that could have ensued if the nation defaulted on its loans.

The measure amounts to one final package crafted by House Speaker John Boehner with other legislative leaders and President Barack Obama, as Boehner wraps up a tumultuous career leading the House and an even longer career in Congress. The deal also clears the plate for GOP speaker nominee Paul Ryan, who surprised some conservatives Wednesday when he announced he would support the measure.

The deal was approved as 79 Republicans joined with 187 Democrats to easily clear the number of votes needed to send the measure to the Senate.

Democratic and Republican leaders made one last pitch to their colleagues Wednesday evening just before the vote was called.

"We close where we started, as we all recognize this agreement is not perfect. But it certainly beats the alternative and it is a positive step forward. It ensures the full faith and credit of the United States -- we will pay our bills on time," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat and his party's ranking member on the House Budget Committee.

Read More