WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she opposes a cut in congressional pay because it may lessen the respect for the work lawmakers do.

"I don't think we should do it. I think we should respect the work we do," Pelosi said Thursday. "I think it's necessary for us to have the dignity of the job that we have rewarded."


The Hill said Pelosi, whose husband is a wealthy real estate developer, added that a cut for her would be less significant than for staff members and those who may not be as well off.

Pelosi's comments were made in reference to the sequester, which will force cuts in Congress and most other federal offices if another deal isn't made to control costs, The Hill reported.