Senate Bill Blocks Lawmaker Pay During A Shutdown

Shutdown could occur if GOP, Obama can't agree on spending bill for rest of fiscal year

WASHINGTON — 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.

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