Courtney Statement on Speaker Pelosi’s Decision to Not Seek New Term as House Democratic Leader | Congressman Joe Courtney
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Courtney Statement on Speaker Pelosi’s Decision to Not Seek New Term as House Democratic Leader

November 17, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) made the following statement after Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to ever serve as Speaker of the House, announced that she will step down from House Democratic Leadership after more than two decades.

“Speaker Pelosi’s decision to step aside from the upcoming Leadership election is a moment of history that deserves our nation’s honor and respect. She made history from Day One as the first woman to serve as Speaker, and she kept making history as she guided the enactment of countless laws that will leave a gigantic imprint on American society,” said Congressman Courtney. “One of the most important was passage of the Affordable Care Act, which outlawed barriers to health care for patients with pre-existing conditions, prevented young adults from being removed from family insurance, and expanded coverage to tens of millions of Americans. That would be a lifetime achievement for most of us, but Speaker Pelosi’s work extended far beyond that one measure. Passage of Medicare prescription drug relief, a 21st Century Infrastructure law, a re-negotiated USMCA trade agreement, the post 9-11 G.I. Bill, Public Service Loan Forgiveness for student loan borrowers—these are just some of her achievements, and the list goes on and on.”

“I had a chance to work with the Speaker to secure bipartisan passage of the Student Loan Certainty Act, repeal of the Cadillac Tax, and shipbuilding authorizations and budgets that have created historic economic growth in Eastern Connecticut,” Rep. Courtney continued. “I also joined the Speaker on two overseas trips to the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, and a visit to London, Dublin and Belfast to defend the Good Friday Peace Accords. On both trips, the high regard that Speaker Pelosi was held in by world leaders was tangible from all political quarters. I am sure that all her deep experience and judgment will enrich the work of the House for the 118th Congress.”

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