Senate advances resolution to suspend senators' pay during government shutdowns

The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to advance a resolution that suspends senators' pay during government shutdowns. 

The measure, which was sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., is aimed at providing incentives to avoid such shutdowns, The Hill reported. 

The resolution would apply only to members of the Senate and won't need to be approved by the House or signed by the president. The suspension of senators' pay would be triggered if Congress fails to provide funding for federal agencies before the deadline. The money would be put into an escrow account, meaning there would be no loss in pay. The senators just wouldn't receive any of it until the shutdown ends.

The Senate voted unanimously to end debate on proceeding to the resolution on Wednesday, which suggests it will have the support it needs to pass the upper chamber. 

The measure, if passed, won't take effect until after the midterm election and won't apply to a possible government shutdown this fall.