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

(May 9 — 15, 2021)

Madam Speaker: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the U.S. Speaker of the House (May 9 — May 15, 2021)

Tuesday, Madam Speaker swore in Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, filling the seat most recently held by former Representative Cedric Richmond and becoming the 57th Member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Speaker Pelosi on Wednesday joined Congressional leadership at the White House, where they discussed with President Biden the importance of a bipartisan commitment to rebuilding our infrastructure through the American Jobs Plan. Afterwards, she joined House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio and Mayors to highlight theurgent need for bold infrastructure investments. On Thursday morning, the Speaker held her weekly press conference in the United States Capitol, addressing the current direction of Congress and how we can Build Back Better for the nation with the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan. Just outside of the Capitol, Madam Speaker joined Representatives Speier, Garcia, Escobar, Crow and Chairman Smith to discuss the reintroduction of the bipartisan, bicameral I Am Vanessa Guillén Act.

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

May 11, 2021

Behind-the-scenes photos of the week May 9 — May 15, 2021. United States Capitol, Washington, DC

Behind-the-scenes photos of the week May 9 — May 15, 2021. United States Capitol, Washington, DC

Behind-the-scenes photos of the week May 9 — May 15, 2021. United States Capitol, Washington, DC

Behind-the-scenes photos of the week May 9 — May 15, 2021. United States Capitol, Washington, DC

May 12, 2021

“Mayors are the buffer. There’s nothing between them and their constituents. They must deliver. And so, the fact that they have made this a priority is really a great thing for our country. And what I want to say to them is ‘Thank you.’”

“…does it seem right to you that as we build the infrastructure of America, where the commerce of America is promoted, where success is as garnered by big corporations in America, and 50 of them didn’t pay any taxes last year? … why should working families be underwriting the infrastructure, the roads and the bridges and the rest that that commerce travels over?”

“I’m honored also to be here with our colleague who’s the Chair of the Transportation and Transit Subcommittee, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Representative of the soon-to-be state of Washington, D.C.”

“I think the American people want electric cars.”

“He knows the importance of infrastructure to commerce, to quality of life, clean air, and the rest for our kids, as well as promotion of job creation and the rest,” said Madam Speaker on Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

May 13, 2021

“Earlier this week, the Speaker of the House issued a statement on the Floor of the House that we would have a rules change that, when Members were on the Floor, they must always be wearing a mask except when they were speaking. We have understood from all of you that as long as I keep my distance from you, which I fully intend to do, I can abide by the House Floor rule on this.”

“As you all know, yesterday, the President had a bipartisan meeting of the Congressional Leadership. It was very positive. I think the tone of it was very appropriate to the important work that we have to do. Very proud of what the President is presenting: a big, bold plan to Build Back Better for our country.”

“Yet, in a hearing held yesterday, some House Republicans defended those actions, saying the rioters were orderly and acting similar to a normal tourist visit. You have to see it, because it was beyond denial. It fell into the range of sick. We have to establish a Commission for January 6th.And we will find the truth. We’re hoping that we can do so in the most bipartisan way possible.”

Madam Speaker Embraces Family Members of Vanessa Guillén.

“The VIPs with us today are Mayra and Lupe and the Guillén family. Last fall, when we met with the family, we saw their courage in action that turned their pain into progress in Vanessa’s memory, which is making a difference.”

“Again, last fall, under her leadership, we gave our commitment to Vanessa’s family that this important first step to combating sexual assault would come to the House Floor for a vote.”

“Led by Jackie Speier, we will not stop until we pass the bill and until we finally, fully end this epidemic, in the military, in the workplace and in all places.”

Madam Speaker and a Sister of Vanessa Guillién Share a Word.

Behind-the-scenes photos of the week May 9 — May 15, 2021. United States Capitol, Washington, DC