Pelosis Final Speech as Speaker Stresses Jobs, Economy
Outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi will vow to “fight for American jobs” and reduce the deficit during her final speech on the House floor before her successor takes the gavel Wednesday.
The California Democrat will pledge that her Caucus “will judge what comes before Congress by whether it creates jobs, strengthens our middle class, and reduces the deficit — not burdening future generations with debt,” according to excerpts released by her office.
Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) is poised to become the next Speaker. Pelosi will pledge that Boehner and his team will find a “willing partner” in Democrats if they work for the goals she has set forth.
Pelosi also will recall the day four years ago when she first presided as Speaker. She called the House to order that day “on behalf of America’s children.”
“As I now prepare to hand over the gavel, I know one thing above all else,” she plans to say. “We have stood for those children and for their families — for their health, their education, the safety of the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat.”