INDIANAPOLIS -- At least one Indiana congressman said he has cut back on bonuses for staff members as many Americans lose their jobs and tighten their belts during tough economic times.

6News' Kara Kenney reported earlier this month that Indiana congressmen doled out more than $600,000 in bonuses from 2006 to 2008.

With the exception of Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis, local representatives declined to submit to a sit-down interview or provide detailed information as part of the original investigation.

Kenney caught up with Rep. Mike Pence, R-Columbus, at Indianapolis International Airport on Friday to ask about the bonuses.

"I believe a labor is worth its wage," he said. "We've used bonuses in the past as an ordinary part of compensation for our employees, to recognize people who work long hours."

From 2006 to 2008, Pence handed out $82,250 in year-end bonuses to his staff of about 18 people.

He told Kenney that he reduced bonuses to $1,500 per person for full-time employees in 2009, a decrease from $2,750 in 2008.

"I just felt like in the economic situation in Indiana -- unemployment is at 10 percent -- it's important we reflect that same frugality, same discipline and ask our employees to get by with less," he said. "They've accepted those reductions cheerfully, and have continued to work long hours on behalf of Hoosiers here at home, and in Washington, D.C."

But records show that Pence is still giving out more in bonuses than he did in years past. In 2009, he gave out $25,500 in bonuses, compared to $24,500 in 2007 and $20,000 in 2006.

Pence's district director received a 3 percent bonus in 2008, or $2,750. That same year, the district director for Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Monticello, received an 8 percent bonus on his $87,000 salary.

Rep. Baron Hill, D-Seymour, gave an 11 percent bonus to his field representative in 2008, but a spokesperson told 6News that bonuses were cut in 2009.

Also in 2008, Carson's chief of staff got a $9,800 bonus on a six-figure salary.

Rep. Dan Burton, R-Indianapolis said he believes staff members who work long hours deserve the extra pay.

"I give bonuses to those who deserve it. I think any business that has employees that excel, they should give them bonuses," he said.

Data from 2009 was not yet available when 6News analyzed the information. 6News asked Sen. Evan Bayh and Sen. Dick Lugar for their bonus information, but their offices directed Kenney to documents that didn't provide bonus information.

Members of Congress get between $1 million to $2 million a year to run their offices. Any funds that aren't used for staff salaries, equipment, travel or bonuses are returned to the Treasury.

Buyer and Hill have not yet commented to 6News on the issue of bonuses.