IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Senate bill blocks lawmaker pay during a shutdown

The Senate has unanimously passed legislation to prevent lawmakers and the president from getting paid if the government shuts down.
/ Source: The Associated Press

The Senate has unanimously passed legislation to prevent lawmakers and the president from getting paid if the government shuts down.

The measure also would apply if the government defaults on its debts and would block members of Congress or the president from getting back pay when the government reopens.

A partial shutdown of the government could occur if Republicans and Obama can't agree on a spending bill for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. A measure funding the government for another two weeks is on track to pass and avert a shutdown Friday.

The government never has defaulted on its debts, although Republicans controlling the House acknowledge that it'll be very difficult to advance a bill to raise the legal limit on government borrowing this spring.