It is a small amount, relatively speaking, of their salaries.  Also, all of those stepping forward to make the gesture for publicity to shame the GOP for sequester are multi-millionaires, except for Janet Napolitano, so it isn't taking food off their tables.  What strikes me is when Democrats, who always are talking about 'fairness' in wages and taxes, take tax money as salary in high office when they are well-off.  For instance, Gov Romney didn't take a salary as Gov of MA.