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

(January 30— Feb 5)

On Tuesday, Madam Speaker met with His Excellency Ioannis Kasouildes, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, in the Speaker’s Office. In the evening, Madam Speaker joined bipartisan Members of Congress, former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios, and Deputy Director of the U.S. Mint Ventris Gibson to celebrate the start of Black History Month with the launch of the American Women Quarters Program. Wednesday morning, Madam Speaker joined House Democrats for their weekly Caucus meeting. In the afternoon, she welcomed Ambassador Michael Herzog of Israel to the United States to the U.S. Capitol.

Madam Speaker on Thursday morning delivered testimony at a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, highlighting the Chinese government’s decades-long campaign of human rights abuses ahead of the start of the Beijing Winter Olympics. She then held her weekly press conference in the Capitol Visitor Center to discuss the America COMPETES Act and other news of the day. Later in the afternoon, she joined House Majority Whip James Clyburn, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty, Congressman Tom Rice and the family of former Congressman Joseph Rainey to unveil “the Joseph H. Rainey Room” in the U.S. Capitol, commemorating the life and service of our nation’s first Black Congressman. Friday, Madam Speaker delivered remarks at a press event with Committee Chairs ahead of the House passage of the America COMPETES Act of 2022: bold, results-oriented legislation that will strengthen American manufacturing, advance American pre-eminence in innovation and promote American leadership on the world stage.

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

February 1

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

Febuary 2

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

February 3

“When the Olympic Winter [Games] begin in Beijing, the Chinese government once again attempt to distract the world from a decades-long campaign of abuse and repression. But, the United States and the international community know the truth: the People’s Republic of China is perpetrating a campaign of gross human rights violations, including genocide. It is our urgent moral duty to shine a bright light on the many human rights violations being perpetrated by the host nation. While we fully support and will root for our athletes, we cannot and will not be silent on human rights in China.”

“America delivered justice to the leader of ISIS and struck a serious blow to the terrorist group. Our entire nation is grateful for the patriotism of our military personnel and intelligence community. It was a successful strike. The strike was a strong step toward the fight against ISIS, but the death of this ISIS leader does not mean the death of ISIS. Congress remains ironclad in our commitment to our national security, and we will continue to work closely with the Administration to defeat this terrorist state and keep America and our allies safe.”

“Joseph Rainey was a brilliant orator, tireless legislator and patriotic leader — who should be known to all as a Founding Father. Born enslaved, Congressman Rainey forever changed our nation and fought for the most vulnerable. All who walk the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol will know that their stories are part of the American story — a lesson needed now as much as ever before.”

February 4

“The America COMPETES Act will ensure that America’s pre-eminence in manufacturing, innovation and economic strength, and can outcompete any nation. We are blessed by the leadership of eleven other committees, eleven other committees working very hard to put forth policies, initiatives that were innovative, entrepreneurial and, as we go into conference, become law.”