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

(October 17–23)

On Wednesday, Madam Speaker joined a bicameral group of Congressional Democrats and advocates at the U.S. Capitol to highlight the once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in climate action and environmental justice with the Build Back Better Act. Later, she joined House Democrats and faith leaders at the House Triangle to push for the Build Back Better Act, which will live up to the moral teachings of many different faith traditions. That evening, Madam Speaker gifted Ghirardelli chocolate to Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) to fulfill their wager over the MLB postseason series between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Thursday, Madam Speaker joined Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney and advocates to call for the Equal Rights Amendment to be enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. She then joined President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for a special ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Finally, she joined Members of Congress and the Care Can’t Wait coalition for a press event highlighting Build Back Better Act provisions that will lift up families with historic investments in care services.

On Friday, Madam Speaker met with a group of governors to discuss how Democrats’ Build Back Better vision will help meet the urgent needs of families in their states.

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

October 20

“I’m here today to salute you all for the grassroots work that is being done to make sure that, when we Build Back Better, it is truly better for the children. And for the children, we must save this planet that we will pass on to future generations.”

“I think everybody will agree, whether they share our religious attitude, that we have a moral obligation to our children to pass the planet on in a responsible way. And then, of course, a world at peace in which they can thrive.”

“While I’m looking forward to seeing the San Francisco Giants go all the way next year, in the meantime, a deal is a deal.”

October 21

“Fifty years ago, the House passed the Equal Rights Amendment in a vote that was 354 to 24 — a strong bipartisan bill, taking us to the cusp of the ratification. Now, we have completed all of the states, putting us on the track to achieve ‘constitutional equality for all.’”

“John Lewis referred to the monument as ‘a monument to peace, to love and to nonviolent resistance on the front yard of America, to symbolize the cornerstone of our true democracy.’ Dr. King’s presence, while not a president, has brought luster to the front lawn, has brought justice to the front lawn and has brought many more children to the front lawn of America.”

“I come here not just as Speaker, but, as I said to my Caucus yesterday, I rise here as probably the person who has changed the most diapers in the Congress of the United States. And it is with this understanding of the fact that care can’t wait!”

“Steve Bannon has information central to this investigation — but is defying a Congressional subpoena. That is why the House today held him in contempt of Congress on a bipartisan vote.”

October 22

Madam Speaker meets with state governors.