Nancy Pelosi Allows House Staffers to Make More Than Lawmakers With Massive Raised Pay.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a directive on Friday that will allow House members to pay their staff a salary higher than that of many lawmakers in the nation’s capital.

“As you know, our hard-working, patriotic Congressional staffers are integral to the functioning of the House of Representatives: ensuring this institution can effectively carry out our legislative and constituent responsibilities,” Pelosi said. “To that end, we must do all we can to retain and recruit the best talent in our nation — and to build a Congressional workforce that reflects the communities we are honored to serve.”

Senators and representatives make An annual salary of $174,000 is the norm, but leaders can earn tens or thousands more each year.

“It is my privilege as Speaker to announce that the House will raise the maximum annual rate of pay for staff to $212,100,” Pelosi continued. “This increase in the Speaker’s Pay Order is consistent with the recent raise in the Executive Branch Level II and Senior Executive Branch maximum annual salary rate.”

Pelosi, 82, announced Last month, she announced that she would not run for re-election in the House as top Democrat. However, she will continue to serve in Congress.

Pelosi, who was elected Democratic leader in the George W. Bush administration during that time, announced the news from the House floor. Her speech, which touched on democracy and diversity, was well received by Democrats. Pelosi maintained that she would continue representing San Francisco.

“For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect,” Pelosi.

Pelosi spoke briefly about Paul, her husband, who was injured when an intruder broke into their San Francisco residence and beat him with a knife. David DePape, the suspect, has pleaded guilty. Friends say He has a history that includes drug abuse and mental illness.

Pelosi’s announcement comes after a better-than-expected performance for Democrats in the 2022 midterm elections. Although pre-election polling, punditry and other indicators suggested otherwise, a “red wave” would sweep Republicans into power in both houses of Congress, Democrats were able to prevail in several high-profile Senate contests to keep control of that chamber, and Republicans have won only a slim majority in the House — but enough to oust Pelosi from her role as the speaker.

Eric Quintanar was a contributor to this report.

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