WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Senate has adopted a bill to pay members of the military in case the government shuts down.
The unanimous voice vote Monday sends the legislation to the White House for President Barack Obama’s signature.
The development came with just hours before a shutdown deadline at midnight. During a shutdown, essential federal employees are expected to report for duty but face delays in receiving their pay.
Now, if the government really does shut down, members of the armed forces will receive their paychecks on time but civilian workers won’t.
The House passed the legislation early Sunday morning.