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

(May 15–21)

On Monday, Speaker Pelosi met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of Scotland ahead of a bipartisan leadership meeting in the United States Capitol. Tuesday morning, she welcomed His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, ahead of a bipartisan leadership meeting and the Prime Minister’s address to a joint session of Congress. In the afternoon, Speaker Pelosi joined Congressional Democrats for a press conference on legislative proposals to address the baby formula shortage. That evening, she greeted guests at the room naming ceremony in honor of former Chairman Dave Obey.

Wednesday morning, Speaker Pelosi joined Congressional Leadership and other Members of Congress to participate in a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Merchant Mariners of World War II. In the afternoon, she joined Members of the New Democrat Coalition for a press conference recognizing the Coalition’s 25th anniversary and participated in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus’ candle lighting in remembrance of lives lost to anti-AAPI hate.

On Thursday, Speaker Pelosi held her weekly press conference in the Capitol Visitor Center shortly before welcoming His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, and Her Excellency Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden, ahead of a trilateral bipartisan leadership meeting. That afternoon, she joined Members of the Congressional Tri-Caucus and other House Democrats on the House East Front Steps of the United States Capitol for a press event on the racist mass shooting in Buffalo. She then signed the $40.1 billion supplemental funding bill to support Ukraine in its fight for Democracy after it passed in the Senate.

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

May 16th

“The First Minister has, in her own leadership role, been a real model to women everywhere in terms of women in leadership — and again, with great excellence. Thank you for our work together on COVID, on the climate and on so many other issues.”

May 17th

“Greece has been the wellspring of democratic principles for centuries. They were a source of inspiration to the founding of America. Now, the United States and Greece work together as democratic nations.”

“The nutrition babies receive has an immense impact on their entire lives. We must take urgent action to address this emergency.”

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

May 18th

“Bringing to bear awe-inspiring strength and fortitude, these patriots braved dangerous waters to help defend democracy in our nation — and for the world. Nearly eight decades later, Americans owe our Merchant Mariners an enormous debt of gratitude.”

“For a quarter-century, the New Dems have been a force for prosperity and progress in our economy, bringing entrepreneurial ideas to the table and strengthening House Democrats’ fight For The People.”

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

May 19th

“The seven largest oil companies are announcing buybacks that could total $41 billion this year alone. Why is this not being passed on to the consumer when they have all of the success that they have? We’ll soon pass the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to crack down on Big Oil’s price gouging, which spikes prices at the pump for America’s families.”

“As Speaker of the House, I offered a full endorsement of their request to join NATO, the greatest defense alliance in the history of the world. Their courage in responding to the Russian invasion has been a lesson and a model to the world.”

“Democrats are fighting to ensure our children can grow and thrive without fear of gun violence. The domestic terrorism legislation we passed this week will help save lives, protect communities and uphold our founding ideal: E Pluribus Unum.”

“This funding will make an immediate and substantial difference in Ukraine’s fight with funds for security, weapons, food, humanitarian assistance and economic assistance.”