WASHINGTON - HILLARY Clinton will have to accept less pay than her predecessor as secretary of state, Dr Condoleezza Rice, to avoid running foul of an obscure provision in the US Constitution, lawmakers voted late on Wednesday.

Congress adopted a measure to award Mrs Clinton, New York's junior senator and president-elect Barack Obama's nominee for the top diplomatic job, a salary of 186,600 dollars (S$277,586) - 4,700 dollars less than Dr Rice's current pay of 191,300 dollars.

No lawmaker can take a job in the executive branch if that post saw a salary increase during their term, according to Article One, Section Six of the Constitution.

In accordance with the measure, Senator Clinton cannot become secretary of state without reverting to Dr Rice's pre-January 2007 salary.

Provided she is confirmed by the Senate, the former first lady will still be taking home more than she earns now as a senator - 169,300 dollars.

A joint resolution correcting the pay irregularity passed through the House of Representatives and Senate on Wednesday and now awaits the signature of President George W. Bush. -- AFP