Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Retirement of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

On Thursday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, released the following statement honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi upon her retirement announcement:

"Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has been an incredible leader for our country. Her steadfast integrity and character were core to making her one of most effective and influential House Speakers in U.S. history. Throughout her Speakership and since she stepped down from that role in 2022, she has continued to be a tremendous mentor, particularly for new women members.

"I have deeply respected Nancy Pelosi since I first met her as a candidate for Congress in 2000 when women members were only 13 percent of the House of Representatives. It was a tremendous honor to nominate her for the position of Democratic Whip when she became the first woman to be elected to that position in 2001. As the first woman to be Speaker, her accomplishments on behalf of the American people were extraordinary and historic: She led the House in passing the Affordable Care Act, led the Democratic caucus through the COVID-19 pandemic and all its uncertainties, and spearheaded the passage of the largest infrastructure and climate change investments in our nation's history, and so much more. It has been a privilege to have served together throughout the years on our shared priorities of expanding health care access, promoting human rights, and creating better, brighter futures for our children. Our friendship has grown, and she remains a close friend and trusted partner in this work.

"As Speaker, she faced down the most dangerous threats and abuses of the Trump administration and never backed away from the president's attacks on our democracy, including on January 6, 2021. Under her leadership, she led the House through two impeachments and entrusted me to lead impeachment proceedings on the House Floor on January 13, 2021 to hold the president accountable for his malfeasance in office.

"I will always be grateful for Nancy's constant reminder about what's important, and how the votes we cast impact the people we serve, especially the children. She has always kept their interests central to her decades of service. I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to her and Paul, as well as their children and grandchildren. I look forward to continuing to work with her throughout the remainder of the 119th Congress."