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

(January 2 — January 8)

Tuesday afternoon, Madam Speaker met with Ambassador Jonathan Kaplan of the United States to Singapore. On Wednesday, Madam Speaker sat down with Lisa Mascaro of the Associated Press for an interview and met with Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany.

In observance of one year since January 6, 2021, the Congress marked the day with a number of events and programs. Thursday morning, Madam Speaker welcomed President Biden and Vice President Harris to deliver remarks from the U.S. Capitol. She then held a moment of silence on the House Floor to remember the fallen heroes who died in the insurrection. The Speaker stopped by a lunch hosted by Representative Dean Phillips and presented by World Central Kitchen in appreciation for staff and service-members. That afternoon, the Congress had the privilege of hearing from Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden and historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jon Meacham for a moderated conversation to establish and preserve the narrative of January 6th. Members of Congress then reflected on their experiences during the insurrection. In the evening, Madam Speaker joined Members of Congress on the steps of United States Capitol for a prayer vigil.

On Friday, Madam Speaker greeted Officer Keith Atkins of the United States Capitol Police, who was among many who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

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

January 4

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

January 5

“We cannot shirk our responsibility. We have the power and we have the responsibility, and we will live up to that to keep our country together.”

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

January 6

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

“Today, one year ago, the Capitol and those who work within it were targeted in a violent insurrection that sought to undermine democracy. As we acknowledge the horror of that day, we honor the heroism of so many, particularly U.S. Capitol Police, institutional staff, Floor, Leadership, Committee and Member staff.”

“My concern was really for the other Members and for the staff. They can destroy things in the Speaker’s office. That’s wrong, but that can be repaired. But the trauma that they forced on the idealistic people who come to the Capitol to work, the institutional staffers that have nothing to do with Democrats and Republicans, only the Congress, those who had to clean up, clean up behind these people … while they would be called names that are totally unacceptable.”

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

“Because of the courage of our Members, the support of the Capitol Police, the staff, the custodial staff, the insurrection failed. Democracy prevailed. Congress returned to the Capitol that same night to accomplish our purpose, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power.”

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

January 7

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