Madam Speaker: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the U.S. Speaker of the House

(January 9— January 15)

Last Sunday morning, Madam Speaker joined Margaret Brennan on CBS’s Face The Nation for a live remote interview from the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Building to discuss voting rights and the COVID crisis. On Wednesday, she joined Vice President Kamala Harris, Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congressional Leadership and other Members of Congress for the lying in state of The Honorable Harry Mason Reid in the United States Capitol Rotunda, with President Joe Biden paying his respects that afternoon. In the evening, Madam Speaker and Congressional Leadership viewed the departure of the late Senator from the United States Capitol. On Thursday, Madam Speaker held her weekly press conference in the Capitol Visitor Center ahead of House passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.

Take a look at this week’s behind-the-scenes photos:

January 9

“There is nothing more important for us to do than protect our Constitution and our democracy. What the Republicans are doing across the country is really a legislative continuation of what they did on January 6th, which is to undermine our democracy, to undermine the integrity of our elections and to undermine the voting power, which is the essence of a democracy.”

January 12

“As we know, before Harry entered the political arena, he could hold his own in the boxing ring. So, it is fitting to close, I think, by quoting Muhammad Ali, who Harry admired. And, his immortal words capture Harry’s fighting spirit. Muhammad Ali said, ‘Impossible is not a declaration. It is a dare.’”

Madam Speaker, President Biden and Majority Leader Schumer run into Senator Cory Booker greeting United States Senate Pages.

Senator Harry Reid departs the United States Capitol.

January 13

“Stop partisan redistricting. Stop the suppression of the vote and nullification of elections. Stop big, dark money from having such an impact on our political process. Honor the grassroots participation.”