Amata Salutes Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Historic Career

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is applauding the historic congressional career of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the House in U.S. history, who led her Democratic colleagues in the House for 20 years, including serving twice as Speaker for eight total years. Former Speaker Pelosi has announced she will fulfill her current term in the 119th Congress, but not seek reelection in her California district, meaning her historic tenure in Congress will end in early January of 2027 after 40 years in the House, when she will be 86 years of age.

"Many of my colleagues have paid tribute to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi upon the announcement of her retirement at the end of this Congress, including my friends Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries. I have had the pleasure of traveling with Speaker Pelosi on congressional delegations and left with good memories of those occasions, and mementos in my DC office. I admire her vitality, her strength in leadership, and her passion for legislative efforts. I have a very bipartisan track record, without agreeing with her on everything. Instead, when I disagree, I try to understand my colleague's viewpoint and constituency, and maintain my respect, as my colleagues tend to genuinely have the needs of their constituents in mind.

"She is the first woman to become Speaker of the House, second in line to the presidency in an emergency situation (which thank God we've never had), and has demonstrated to women everywhere that there are no limits to women in public service. She wielded tremendous influence in the position and set new milestones for women in leadership. Over four decades, she has demonstrated the value of seniority in Congress through friendships and contacts in all corners of Congress, the executive branch and official Washington, enabling her to be effective whether she held the majority or not.

"My best wishes and friendship, and I am sure the good wishes of the people of American Samoa, for Speaker Pelosi and her well-earned retirement in 2027. She will remain a key figure in American history especially for the 20 years she led her Democratic colleagues in the House."

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