Pelosi: Congressional pay cut undermines dignity of the job

The Hill ^ | 14 Feb 13 | Mike Lillis

[SkyPilot]

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that she opposes a cut in congressional pay because it would diminish the dignity of lawmakers' jobs.

"I don't think we should do it; I think we should respect the work we do," Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol. "I think it's necessary for us to have the dignity of the job that we have rewarded."

The comments were made in the context of the looming sequester, which would force across-the-board cuts affecting most federal offices, including Congress. With lawmakers nowhere near a deal to avert those cuts, federal agencies are bracing for ways to absorb them with minimum damage to programs and personnel.

Pelosi, whose husband is a wealthy real-estate developer, was quick to note that a cut in her own pay would be far less significant than that for both staffers and less wealthy members of Congress.

"It's a hard question to ask me because most of my colleagues are the breadwinners in their families," she said. "A pay cut to me doesn't mean as much."

[Viennacon]

“the work we do”

WHAT WORK?! This scum-sucking libturd is one of the most annoying in congress. Choke that paycut down, Swine Piglosi. That’s for sending my tax dollars to LG Chem and abortion doctors.

[Myrddin]

The hag should be reduced to her base salary and sufficient funds for travel on Southwest Airlines to Dulles twice per month. Let he cover her own lodging costs in DC...in the same undignified fashion that I've endured in San Diego since June 2009. Her booze soaked parties can come out of her pocket too. The only "staff" she deserves is the one that doubles as her witch's broomstick.

[lonestar]

Pelosi and Biden could do a weekly sitcom...without a script!

[SkyPilot]

I know, that is why I had to say upfront that this is not satire. She said these words to reporter Mike Lillis, a reporter for The Hill, the new website that covers every aspect of Congress and is read by almost everyone who works there.

I bet there are some staffers who are none too happy she is bringing this kind of scrutiny upon them right before they start trimming other people's paychecks - especially a lot of veterans. When the Deputy Defense Secretary and all five member of the Joint Chiefs testified to the House Armed Services Committee, Rep Duncan Hunter (R-CA), lost his temper and his mind. He went off on the Joint Chiefs, telling them that the deep defense cuts that Congress has levied on them with sequestration (defense has to absorb 50% of all the cuts by law) are "partially" their fault and they have to "share the blame."

I am not joking.

I found that soooo ironic. Here was a member of Congress who voted for the flipping law, screaming at 5-star generals who were telling him these deep cuts were going to hurt the military.

What a circus.

It was akin to this:

Look what you made me do! It's YOUR fault! You made me angry!

[jmcenanly]

And the constant Atlas Shrugs tryouts are helping?I half expect the members to start hitting each other , like the Three Stooges

[Bronzy]

OMG Did you have to post that picture? It is seared in my head. Spit on me Carson is just above her in the photo.

[I want the USA back]

Communists deserve no respect.

[Truth2012]

My first and unfiltered thought: What does a pig at a feeding bin know about dignity.

Pelosi is a pig, fat, greedy pig.

[Mom MD]

I think we should means test congressional pay. Turnabout is fair play

[21st Century Crusader]

Someone please advise madam pelosi that anyone that associates with her, reid, or the 0bama regime has forfeited any dignity that they may have ever had.

[centurion316]

I agree with her. Members of Congress are among the lowest paid criminals in the country, ranking down with people who steal candy from babies. It’s just not right, criminal activity used to enjoy much more respect than it does now. Look at Tony Soprano, he was admired by everyone in America, and our criminal Congress Critters deserve this at the very least.

[SkyPilot]

I stole your analogy (post #24). Too clever - wanted to give you credit.

[LostInBayport]

OMG Did you have to post that picture? It is seared in my head. Spit on me Carson is just above her in the photo.

:) That photo is seared...seared...in my memory, too, as one of the greatest indignities visited upon this nation (Obamacare).

That this malevolent old crone thinks she's conducted herself with dignity suggests that she has been mistaking bat guano for caviar.

[Seaplaner]

Ah, yes.

Mrs. Pelosi lectures us hard-working taxpayers on the “dignity of lawmakers' jobs” ?

It is not possible to make this "stuff" up.

.

[Bringbackthedraft]

5-star generals................ MacArthur, Bradley, Marshall, Eisenhower, and Arnold are still alive?

[TigersEye]

With dignity like that prostitutes and thieves can hold their heads high.

[CharlesMartelsGhost]

[Phlap]

Apart from legit expenses, there should be no compensation for public service. Of course fewer would be willing to do the job but those who do would be doing it for(as they see it) the right reasons.

[Bronzy]

Thank you.
The arrogance in her posture just...just infuriated me.

[ClearCase_guy]

Happy to contribute!