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

(July 10 — 16)

On Monday, Speaker Pelosi held a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine. On Tuesday, she visited the Japanese Embassy to offer condolences to the people of Japan on behalf of the House of Representatives in the wake of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s tragic killing.

On Wednesday, she joined Congressional Leadership and Members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation to unveil a statue honoring Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune of Florida: a civil rights pioneer and a champion for African American women’s rights. Speaker Pelosi later attended a portrait unveiling ceremony for House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter Defazio, and then accepted the Global Health Guardian award from Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

On Thursday, Speaker Pelosi joined Congressional Leadership, senior Biden Administration officials and other Members of Congress to honor Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams — the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient of World War II. After hosting her weekly press conference in the Capitol Visitor Center, she later recognized the service of her longtime Senior Advisor, Jaime Lizárraga, as he prepares to begin his service as a Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On Friday, Speaker Pelosi met with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Members of California’s Congressional Delegation. Shortly after, she joined Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and reproductive freedom advocates on the steps of the United States Capitol for a press event ahead of the House’s passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act.

Continue reading for this week’s behind-the-scenes content:

July 11

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

July 12

“Prime Minister Abe was a dedicated leader and a friend of America. May he rest in peace.”

July 13

“As Speaker of the House, it was my privilege to celebrate Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune: an unyielding force for racial justice, a pioneering voice for gender equity and a devoted advocate for education. Dr. Bethune takes her rightful place in Statuary Hall as we honor a legendary American, ensuring that young people see a reflection of our nation’s beautiful diversity, beautiful success and greater possibilities for them in their future.”

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

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

July 14

“As the forces of tyranny threatened liberty around the world, Woody proudly enlisted in the Marines — eager to serve his country. At just 5’6,” he was never the tallest Marine. At 135 pounds, he was never the biggest. Yet he was a force of nature on the battlefield. With Woody’s passing, we have lost a deeply selfless American and a vital link to our nation’s Greatest Generation. His story echoes the service of so many Americans who faced the horrors of war so that liberty might triumph over fascism.”

“People think their political survival is more important than the survival of our children. More action is needed to save lives. The Judiciary Committee is moving forward with a markup on the assault weapons ban. It’s about our children. More children die from gun violence in each year than cancer, car accidents or anything. How could that be? 168 Republicans voted no — ‘We don’t want an AMBER Alert if somebody is shooting up a school nearby.’”

“This is a moment of great, official pride as last week [Jaime] was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to serve as a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All of those who have ever had the privilege of working with Jaime know first hand, he is the model of an outstanding, patriotic servant, in a bipartisan way.”

July 15

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

“House Democrats advanced landmark legislation to defend reproductive health freedoms from right-wing attacks across the country. Ahead of our vote, the Democratic women of the House gathered on the steps of the Capitol to share a clear message: we are not going back. It is outrageous that women must again fight for our most basic rights against an extremist Supreme Court and Republican Party. As Republicans continue inflicting their agenda of punishment and control, Democrats will never rest in our fight to defend freedom for women and for every American.”