Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi is the most accomplished Speaker in American history and our country is unquestionably better off for her extraordinary leadership.

Speaker Pelosi often reminds House Democrats of Thomas Paine’s words that “the times have found us.” From the horrific attacks on 9/11 during her service on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, to the financial crisis, a lawless former president and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the times have found in Speaker Pelosi a legendary legislator, notorious negotiator and a fabulous facilitator for the ages. She has been the steady hand on the gavel during some of the most turbulent times the nation has ever confronted. 

Speaker Pelosi’s policy achievements will be felt for generations. Nelson Mandela once said that “there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children.” Her legacy of fighting for children has left an indelible imprint of meaningful progress in the fabric of our nation. 

Nancy Pelosi’s historic ascension to become the first woman Speaker of the House will forever inspire our nation on the power of possibility. It has been a tremendous honor to twice place her name in nomination for Speaker of the House on behalf of the Democratic Caucus. For decades, the Speaker shaped House Democrats in her image and transformed us into a mighty instrument for positive change.

The Speaker often reminds us that our diversity is our strength. I know we will draw on that wisdom often as we come together as a Caucus to begin a new chapter, reflecting the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people we represent. May we undertake that journey with the solemnity, prayerfulness and tenacity that Speaker Pelosi has brought to each and every day of her tenure.

The United States of America owes Nancy Pelosi a tremendous debt of gratitude for her faithful service. May God bless her, Paul and the entire Pelosi family.