'You have made the United States an object of mockery internationally,' Nader writes. | AP Photos Nader to Boehner: Donate your pay

Ralph Nader wants Speaker John Boehner to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to the government shutdown.

In a letter released Wednesday by Nader’s organization, the Center for Study of Responsive Law, former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader called on Boehner to donate his government compensation during the shutdown.


“For every week that goes by when devoted civil servants receive no paycheck, you and your colleagues still receive $3,354. Is that fair?” Nader wrote in the statement. “If you believe that it is not, you should donate your government pay during the shutdown to a certified charity for the needy.”

( POLITICO's full government shutdown coverage)

Nader did not mince words: He holds the speaker and his caucus responsible for the shutdown of the government.

“You have made the United States an object of mockery internationally,” he wrote.

Nader’s challenge to Boehner comes after more than 100 other members of Congress have already pledged to donate their pay.

Boehner’s office did not immediately respond to request for comment.