LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF SPEAKER EMERITA PELOSI

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced she would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

Nancy D'Alesandro Pelosi is an iconic, heroic, trailblazing, legendary and transformational leader. She is the greatest Speaker of all time.

The United States is a much better nation today because Nancy Pelosi dedicated her life to serving the children, the climate, the country and the American people.

Nancy Pelosi's legendary public service journey has taken her from Charm City to the great state of California to international capitals around the globe. Guiding her life's work has always been her strong faith, tremendous patriotism and belief that we have a Republic worth keeping.

For the children, as she often says, Speaker Pelosi has lived out the bedrock Jesuit value of working for the greater good. From her early, groundbreaking advocacy against the Chinese Communist Party and relentless support for AIDS research, to her work on the Intelligence Committee and 9/11 Commission, Nancy Pelosi has always put country first.

Her giant and historic legislative accomplishments are too numerous to mention, but include the Affordable Care Act, Inflation Reduction Act and American Rescue Plan. Whether providing healthcare to millions of Americans, protecting people with preexisting conditions, tackling climate change, investing in education, cleaning up corruption, securing democracy or saving Social Security, Speaker Pelosi has made a profound, powerful, permanent impact on our country. She has been a brilliant and bold leader, voice for the voiceless and authentic champion of the least, the lost and the left-behind.

During her 20 years leading House Democrats, she fiercely navigated many trials and tribulations, including a once-in-a-century pandemic, a horrific attack on the United States Capitol and a violent attempt on her husband's life. Through it all, she led with strength and dignity. Like Esther, she was Speaker and Leader for such a time as this. Personally, Speaker Pelosi has been an incredible mentor, trusted friend and awesome colleague who has profoundly blessed me with her insights, perspectives and leadership values.

Nancy Pelosi's love of country is surpassed only by that for her beautiful family. We are indebted to the entire Pelosi family-Paul, their children and grandchildren-for their sacrifice and service. My prayers and gratitude are with them as Speaker Pelosi embarks on this new chapter.

House Democrats will always be down with NDP.

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