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

(September 5–11, 2021)

Madam Speaker held her weekly press conference in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday morning. That afternoon, the Speaker traveled to East Hartford, Connecticut to join Congressman John B. Larson and Governor Ned Lamont to celebrate the expanded Biden Child Tax Credit and forthcoming arrival of the third check to American families. In the evening, the Speaker received an honorary degree from Smith College and spoke at a Presidential Colloquium as part of their Year on Democracies.

Thursday morning, the Speaker joined Chairman Jim McGovern in Worcester, Massachusetts to highlight the support provided to families through the expanded Biden Child Tax Credit and discuss the importance of expanding access to affordable child care. Friday, Madam Speaker attended a wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of the victims of Flight 93 during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The Speaker was joined by members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants and the Association of Flight Attendants.

On Friday, Madam Speaker traveled to Lower Manhattan for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum 20th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony, joined by Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton; Members of Congress, members of the New York State and local Government, and thousands of Americans from around the country.

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

September 8

“In order to Build Back Better, we have to start with women, who have seen the biggest challenges during the pandemic. This transformative vision put forth by President Biden will enable women to go back to work without having to worry about the uncertainty of home health care for their families.”

“This mask is a mask that was made by the woman who sewed the AIDS quilt. Her name is Gert, and she is a fabulous person. I like to have it close because the AIDS issue is one — it is a very big priority for me. We want to make sure that we make sure that as we address it and are learning from it for other pandemics as well.”

“The Child Tax Credit is a recognition of how we value children, how we support families and how we must honor President Biden’s transformative vision to Build Back Better, starting with women.”

“My advice to young women leaders is this: Know your power. Know your why. Know your vision. This country needs you, and there is no contribution that anyone can make that is like yours.”

September 9

“Elijah Cummings used to say, ‘Our children are messengers to a future we will never see.’ We want every child in America to reach their fulfillment & ensure our nation’s values are worthy of them.”

September 10

Madam Speaker: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the U.S. Speaker of the House (September 5–11, 2021)

September 11

“It was a solemn privilege to visit the September 11 Memorial to mark 20 years since the terror attacks on our nation. When we talk about September 11 we tread on sacred ground. Let us continue to hold dear the memories of those we lost & honor those who rose to heroism that day.”