DeLauro Statement on Speaker Pelosi’s Retirement

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to news that Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) would not seek re-election:

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a legend - a titan of American politics. But to me, she is a dear friend, confidante, and ally. She, her husband Paul and their extraordinary family have worked hard to create an incredible legacy. Although they have been targets of political violence, they have never wavered in their fight for America's children and families.

"Under her leadership, health care for Americans was transformed. She led the way to pass the Ryan White CARE Act to ensure individuals with HIV/AIDS could not just survive this devastating disease but thrive. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, along with our late partner-in-crime, Nita Lowey, she and I fought to ensure women were meaningfully included in health research, and not just an afterthought.

"Her greatest achievement is leading the House to pass the Affordable Care Act, where we expanded access to health care, and ensuring Americans could not be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition, including being a woman. At a time when this progress is under direct assault, her leadership to make health care a right and not a privilege, should never be forgotten. Without Nancy, the Affordable Care Act would not become law.

"She strengthened equal pay laws by passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Her leadership helped guide the nation through its darkest moments - from passing historic COVID-19 relief and working with me to enact the expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit that cut child poverty nearly in half in 2021, to securing passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to rebuild our economy, lower costs, and confront the climate crisis.

"As she closes this extraordinary chapter of service, I join millions of Americans in thanking her for her brilliance and relentless devotion to the country she serves and loves. She leaves behind a legacy that has transformed millions of lives and redefined what leadership looks like in America - and I am so grateful to have served with her and to count her as a friend. She made history as the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the House, but she will be remembered as the most effective and consequential lawmaker in American history."