WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2013 – The Senate approved legislation (H.R. 325) today, with a 64-34 vote, which would allow for a short-term increase in the nation’s debt limit and would withhold salaries from members of Congress if either chamber fails to approve a budget.
The “No Budget, No Pay” bill received support from 50 Democratic senators, 12 Republican senators, and two Independent senators. Thirty-three Republican senators were joined by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. in opposing the legislation.
The bill now heads to the White House for President Obama’s expected signature.
The legislation would allow the Treasury Department to issue new debt through May 18, staving off a potential government default. In addition, it would withhold pay from lawmakers beginning on April 15 and lasting until a budget is passed, or until the end of the current Congress.
The Senate vote came after the House approved the bill Jan. 23 with a 285-114 vote.
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