Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) won’t be a part of the Democratic Party’s leadership in the next Congress. In a speech on the House floor today, November 17, Rep. Pelosi revealed her plans for the future in light of the GOP majority that will control the lower chamber for the next two years.
She began by regaling her colleagues with the tale of her first trip to the Capitol with her father – himself a congressman at the time – at age six. She quoted a bevy of speeches, pulling inspiration and content from such names as Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Webster, and even quoting the National Anthem at one point. She celebrated the many accomplishments of the House, both under the current Congress and those of the past, and she leaned heavily on the Constitution to champion the ideals of the Democratic Party, like social welfare and equality – though her version of equality seems to focus more on outcomes rather than opportunities, as she touted the increase in women, people of color, and LGBTQ members of Congress.
With the House set to be controlled by Republicans next year, so goes the speakership. Whether it’s truly her own desire or merely the overwhelming will of her party, Speaker Pelosi has chosen not to fight to retain control of House Democrats. Instead, she will step aside to make room for the next generation.
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