Schatz, Hirono Vote ‘Yea’ On Debt Ceiling, No-Budget No-Pay Bill

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Politico has this report. Excerpts:

With little fanfare Thursday, the Senate agreed to suspend the nation’s $16.4 trillion debt ceiling until May 19, postponing the specter of default that threatened the nation as early as February.

The vote was 64-34. It now heads to the White House for President Barack Obama’s expected signature.

It would also tie lawmakers’ salaries to whether their respective chambers pass a budget. If the House or the Senate do not pass a budget by April 15, the pay for members in that chamber will be held in an escrow account until they pass a budget or until the last day of the 113th Congress.

Hawaii Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono voted with the majority.

—Chad Blair

Photo courtesy dcJohn.

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