In a ceremony to recognize the Democratic leader, the US Capitol presented a picture of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Several of the politician’s colleagues and acquaintances gave speeches to emphasize Pelosi’s contribution to the political environment in America. The image, which shows Pelosi standing next to the Speaker’s chair and clutching a gavel, is in the Speaker’s Lobby.
Following the House Speaker’s announcement that she will step down from her position as the Democratic Party’s leader after serving for several years, the ceremony was held at the US Capitol a few weeks later.
“This program was wonderful to me. It was like seeing the story of my political life revealed in front of me, not in terms of believing all the accolades, but in identifying with the persons who were presenting,” said Pelosi.
“You know the younger generation today has a saying, game recognizes game,” explained John Boehner, the former House Speaker who handed Pelosi the gavel in 2007.
“And the fact of the matter is, no other speaker of the House in the modern era – Republican or Democrat – has wielded the gavel with such authority or such consistent results,” he continued.
“You’ve been a fierce warrior for your party, but when the stakes were highest, you were willing to put the nation’s interest first and take the heat for it. Now that’s leadership. Leaders lead, Madame Speaker, and you, Madame Speaker, have led. And I’m here to say thank you for that.”
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Pelosi acted as an excellent leader
Despite their occasionally divergent views on certain subjects, Pelosi and Boehner remained friendly. And during the ceremony, both parties exchanged jeers and remarks demonstrating their camaraderie, which cut through their political differences.
While Pelosi is a member of the Democratic Party, Boehner is a Republican. Former president and event participant Barack Obama referred to Pelosi as “one of the most accomplished lawmakers” of the United States.
“Just last week, she helped keep marriage equality, the law of the land, even after insurrectionists broke into her office. She never stopped defending democracy here at home and around the world,” Obama said.
“While you won’t be in leadership anymore, I’ll still feel better knowing that your portrait will be looking down from these walls, fighting everyone who sees it to keep up the fight,” he continued.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, 52, has Pelosi’s backing in the wake of her resignation as Speaker of the House. Pelosi graciously embraced the title of “Speaker Emerita” and expressed her gratitude after the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee’s decision.
An assailant conducted a violent attack upon Pelosi, injuring her husband, Paul Pelosi, in the process, which led to the news of her resignation from the Democratic leadership.
“Sadly, a violent man broke into our family home yesterday morning, demanded to confront me and brutally attacked my husband, Paul. Our children, our grandchildren and I are heartbroken and traumatized by the life-threatening attack on our Pop. We are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services and for the life-saving medical care he is receiving,” Pelosi said in a press release.
“Please know that your prayers and warm wishes are a comfort to our family and helping Paul make progress with his recovery. His condition continues to improve.”
Selecting Jeffries to replace Pelosi
Many Democratic leaders and lawmakers had already expressed their faith in Jeffries as Pelosi’s replacement before Pelosi put her support behind him. However, the party he leads is led by politicians and officials older than him, with Jeffries at the top. The leadership of the party has witnessed a generational transition as a result.
“If she steps aside, I’m very clear that Hakeem Jeffries is the person I will be voting for and leading the Congressional Black Caucus to vote for. Of course, I don’t always speak for everybody. Still, I’m very comfortable saying I believe that every member of the Congressional Black Caucus would vote for Hakeem Jeffries,” said Ohio representative Joyce Beatty.
“Nonetheless, a great deal is at stake because we’ll be in a presidential election. So my decision will again be rooted in my family’s wishes and my caucus’s wishes. But none of it will be very much considered until we see what the outcome of all of this is. And there are all kinds of ways to exert influence,” she added.
“Let’s spend the day at this moment continuing to process the historic nature of Speaker Pelosi and the opportunity that we’ve all had to serve with her. And it’s been an amazing experience,” Jeffries said.
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Pelosi’s legacy
People continue to be in awe of Pelosi’s political career even after she resigned. Leaders highlighted Pelosi’s unwavering efforts to defend the rights of women and children. She promoted legislation for child care, health care, and climate change throughout her tenure in US politics. According to Pelosi, protecting the nation’s and the children’s future will always be her priority.
“I’ve been elected for 26 years. I’ve been doing this for a while. I believe she has been the most effective Speaker and leader the House of Representatives has ever had. To me, every moment has been a blessing and an honor to serve with her,” said Tony Cardenas.
“Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are better, even in districts represented by Republicans who voted against her bills and too often vilified her. That’s Nancy — always working for the dignity of all of the people,” wrote a White House statement.
