Boehner: I'll Return Salary During a Shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner says he will return his pay to the Treasury if there's a government shutdown and is telling other lawmakers how they can follow his example.

Boehner, in a letter to House members, says the 27th Amendment to the Constitution bars the House from changing member pay until an election has interceded, but that does not stop lawmakers from refusing to accept their compensation.

He says the House Administration Committee can assist lawmakers wishing to have their pay returned to the Treasury during a shutdown. Several other lawmakers have also indicated they would return their pay or donate it to charity during a shutdown.

Boehner receives an annual salary of $223,500. Rank-and-file members of Congress receive $174,000.