House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said she opposes a pay cut for lawmakers because it would undermine the dignity of their jobs.
“I don’t think we should do it; I think we should respect the work we do,” Pelosi told reporters on Thursday, the Hill reported. “I think it’s necessary for us to have the dignity of the job that we have rewarded.”
Pelosi’s comments came during talks about across-the-board cuts that would take place if the sequester goes into effect.
As House Minority Leader, Pelosi makes a salary of $193,400. Other members make $174,000, except House and Senate leadership, who also make $193,400; and House Speaker John Boehner, who makes $223,500.
“It’s a hard question to ask me because most of my colleagues are the breadwinners in their families,” said Pelosi, whose husband is a real estate developer, according to the Hill. “A pay cut to me doesn’t mean as much.”
