FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 04, 2005

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

Pelosi Remarks Upon Opening of the 109th Congress

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke this afternoon from the Speaker's chair on the House floor, following a roll call vote in which Pelosi's name was placed in nomination for Speaker of the House.  Below are her remarks as prepared:

"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, let me first thank my Democratic colleagues.  I am once again humbled to be your leader.  It is a privilege to lead this wonderfully diverse caucus, one of the greatest forces for idealism, integrity, and innovation in our country.

"To my family, my husband Paul -- the source of my strength -- our five children, and our five grandchildren: thank you for the love, joy, and encouragement you have given me.  And to the people of San Francisco, I am so grateful for the privilege of serving you.

"I especially wish to acknowledge the courageous men and woman serving in uniform whose service makes it possible for us to strive for peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind.

"A special congratulations and welcome to the Capitol to our freshmen members and their families. You as freshman have a special opportunity to reinvigorate the Congress, to bring new ideas and new energy to the public debate. As you take the oath of office, you not only enter the Congress, but also the annals of history.  You are colleagues not only with each other, but also all of those who have served before you.

"Sadly, this past weekend, we lost two of our most pioneering and courageous colleagues.  Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to Congress.  She said that her service demonstrated 'the sheer will and refusal to accept the status quo.'  When she took the oath of office, it was a breakthrough not only for African Americans and not only for women.  It was a breakthrough for all Americans.  That 'refusal to accept the status quo' is a lesson I hope we will all take from her legacy.

"And we mourn the passing of someone who was a dear friend to me and to so many of us.  Bob Matsui was to be sworn in today.  Bob was a living combination of intellect and passion – someone who understood the complexities of the Social Security system, and who never forgot what it meant to the lives of America’s seniors.  President Bush rightly called him Bob a 'dedicated public servant and a good and decent man who served with distinction and integrity.'  I hope that Bob Matsui’s words, his deeds, and his commitment will guide us to the better America that was his dream.

"And let me say that the unspeakable devastation the world has witnessed in South Asia presents a challenge – not only for the millions of people who are struggling to recover and rebuild, but also for all of us who are called by our faiths and our common humanity to help those in need.  When the victims of the disasters in Asia see our soldiers bringing food and supplies, they see the best of America – an America that is compassionate. 

"We need to work even harder not only to present that America to the world, but also to create that America here at home.  We do that by widening the circle of prosperity, because it is unacceptable that 1 in 5 children in this country grow up in poverty.  Our sense of fairness demands that we expand access to health care, because health care is a right, not a privilege.  We must promote opportunity with a vibrant public education system, and by making college affordable to all Americans.  We need to strengthen community – working to build safe communities free of crime and drugs, and with a clean and healthy environment. 

"Above all, we must guarantee national security, with a military that is second to none, a strong system of homeland security, and a commitment to stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction.  And we must honor the service and sacrifice of our troops by making certain they have the tools and training they need to do all that we ask of them.  Finally we create that stronger America by promoting accountability by restoring fiscal discipline and by paying as we go.

"To our freshman, welcome again to Congress.  On this day of celebration for you, I join the Speaker and all of our colleagues in congratulating you and your families.  Our Founding Fathers make special provision for this House to be constantly reinvigorated by new Members every two years.

The sadness of this past week should not diminish the cause for celebration but enhance it.  The lives of Shirley Chisholm and Bob Matsui offer hope and proof that each of us in Congress can make a tremendous difference.  The tragedy in South Asia and its ramifications raises the expectations for leadership.

"How we respond to times of difficulty is what will define us as leaders.  And the ability to draw hope from times of challenge is what defines us as Americans.  Each generation of Americans has made our country stronger and better for the next.  That better America is our inheritance.  I believe that for all of us serving in the 109th Congress, it can also be our legacy.

"Though we are divided by party and the aisle, we are joined by a common oath to protect and defend the Constitution and 'to form a more perfect union.'

"Two years ago, when I introduced the Speaker, I said we all hold the title 'honorable' by virtue of our office; Dennis Hastert holds it by virtue of his character. He is a man of honor.  And now it is my privilege to present the gavel to a man of character, integrity, and skill.  I look forward to working with in the days ahead to create that better America with the gentleman from Illinois, the Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert."

“ 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