FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi Urges Hastert to Commit to Principles of Civility, Accountability, and Fiscal Responsibility

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent the following letter to Speaker Hastert today reiterating her call for bipartisan administration of the House that fosters civility, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, regardless of whichever party is in the majority.

Below is the text of the letter:

October 20, 2006

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

H-232 The Capitol

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

The American people want a new direction for the Congress of more discourse, and less discord.  They have sent us to Washington to debate the ideas and issues, not to fear dissent.  With the election just a little more than two weeks away, I write to you to request that we both commit that whoever controls the Majority in Congress will foster civility, accountability and fiscal responsibility.

More than two years ago, I first sent you Democratic proposals to restore civility to the Congress.  I reiterate my support for these proposals today; we must restore bipartisanship to the administration of the House, re-establish regular order for considering legislation, and ensure the rights of the minority – whichever party is in the minority. The voice of every American has a right to be heard. 

Integrity demands that we pass a comprehensive congressional reform package that breaks the link between lobbyists and legislation.   We must also restore the principals of fiscal responsibility with pay-as-you-go, no new deficit budgeting. 

Mr. Speaker, though we have many substantive disagreements on matters of public policy, I hope we can agree that congressional business should be conducted in a fair and open manner.  If Democrats control Congress, these reforms will be our first order of business. 

I look forward to your reply.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pelosi

House Democratic Leader

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi