FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2005

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

Pelosi Commends Students for Protesting the Elimination of the Filibuster

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today commending students from Princeton University for holding a protest against Republican proposals to eliminate the filibuster in the Senate.

“I would like to commend the bipartisan support of Princeton University students in their protest to save minority rights in the Senate and preserve the filibuster.”

“Your commitment to raise awareness and shed light on this critical issue has garnered nationwide attention.  This is about protecting our Constitution and respecting the freedom of free speech and minority rights.

“Republicans in Congress are engaged in an abuse of power and the American people are paying the cost.  The Republicans want to be above the law when it comes to respecting minority rights which are part of the law of our land.  Their attempt at a partisan power grab is eroding the trust the American people have placed both in this House and the Senate.  Republicans may not care about our system of checks and balances, but the American people do.

“And at no time has that been more evident than over the past 385 hours.  With your tireless efforts, involving more than 400 speakers both in New Jersey and in Washington, D.C., you have helped young people understand the significance of the filibuster and see how fundamental it is to the legislative process.”

“ 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