As the House easily approved a major housing bill on Wednesday, it was a reminder for everyone in the Congress that sometimes it is okay to cut a deal with your mortal political enemy.

The bill is designed to help thousands of homeowners who face the threat of mortgage foreclosures and shore up mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, if needed.

The vote was 272-152, as most Republicans broke with President Bush on the bill, arguing the bill was a bailout both for bankers and lenders, and for homeowners who should not have over-extended themselves financially.

Only 45 House Republicans voted with Mr. Bush.

Hours earlier, the White House had given up on a veto threat lodged weeks ago against the bill, reluctantly accepting $3.9 billion in money for cities to buy foreclosed properties and then fix them up for re-sale.

The bill should be approved by the Senate, but there could be a bit of political game playing by a few Republicans who want to put further restrictions on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with regards to lobbying and campaign contributions.

Democrats, the White House and Republican backers all declared victory, arguing that the main reason for the nation's current economic woes began with troubles in the mortgage markets.

It still makes me think that there could be compromise on energy issues as well....