[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H131-H132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE HONORABLE NANCY PELOSI ON HER ELECTION TO MINORITY 
                                  WHIP

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues, and the fact that 
so many remain here this evening to laud our newly elected whip, Nancy 
Pelosi, is testimony to the fact that she will be a strong and forceful 
voice for our party. She is good news for my special passion in 
Congress, for she understands better than anybody I have met here that 
the Federal Government can be a better partner to make our communities 
more livable, to make our families safe, healthy and more economically 
secure.
  But the best news, Mr. Speaker, is for the American people and for 
this Chamber. It seems that at times we have forgotten how to work 
together to solve problems here in this House. But the gentlewoman from 
California's special skills not only as the only Westerner in 
leadership, not only as the first and only woman in either party to 
reach this exalted level but as somebody who embodies what it means to 
be a legislator, her insight, intelligence, grace and tenacity will 
help us do our job better for the American public.

                              {time}  2015

  We all welcome this gift from California and the Pelosi family, and I 
hope we are equal to the challenge.
  I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. 
Schakowsky).
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I feel privileged and honored to join my 
colleagues on the House floor to mark an historic day for this body, 
for Democrats, for women and for America. Tomorrow, the distinguished 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) will be sworn in as the 
Democratic whip. This occasion is cause for celebration and is a sign 
of great progress.
  The gentlewoman from California's election to whip is an historic 
landmark in the evolution of our great democracy. She will now emerge 
more fully as a leading voice on the national stage for the Democratic 
Party and for the Congress, and she will motivate women of all ages, 
because of her eloquence, her competence, her confidence and her 
passion, to strive for new heights and to participate more fully and 
completely in politics and policy.
  We are witnessing a shift in the national political landscape. It is 
a movement. Women do not want to just be at the table, we want to be at 
the head of the table. Because of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Pelosi), we are energized and empowered. Our new Democratic whip was 
not elected because she was a woman. That she is one is a real benefit, 
and she will send a strong message as an inspiration for aspiring women 
throughout the country.
  Her election is a demonstration of the reality that the Democratic 
Party is a party of diversity, inclusion and opportunity. She has made 
great efforts to reach out to members from all parts of the Democratic 
Party and is committed to the needs and values of this caucus and our 
diverse constituencies.
  But to me she is not just the whip; she is an inspiration, a mentor, 
a dear friend and a true leader in every sense of the word. I look 
forward to following her to advance an agenda we can all be proud of. I 
join my colleagues in congratulating her and wishing her well.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson).
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, when I think of the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), these words come to mind: N, 
never

[[Page H132]]

fearing to move; A, aggressively; N and C, sensitive to needed causes; 
Y, yielding a great foresight; P, progressive; E, energizing; L, 
loving; O, overwhelmingly; S, spelling; and I, intellect. That is our 
``Nancy Pelosi.''
  I am so happy to be from the State of California that produced this 
woman that will guide this country in the future. I salute the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), our newest whip.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, while she's already been on the job for about 
three weeks now, tomorrow my colleagues, my fellow Californian, my 
friend, Nancy Pelosi will be sworn in to her new post as the democratic 
whip, and it's going to be a big day for America.
  Nancy is the highest-ranking woman in the United States Congress . . 
. ever! As a Hispanic member of Congress, I can not be prouder of this 
moment. When the barriers of achievement and opportunity fall for one, 
they fall for all of us.
  Nancy has her work cut out for her. She has dedicated herself to 
tackling the tough issues facing our economy. There are going to be 
some rough battles, but Nancy's unique blend of grace and determination 
will serve her well in the Whip post.
  It's hard not to admire Nancy Pelosi. She is a gracious, engaging 
woman who has raised five children, Chaired the California Democratic 
Party, served eight terms in Congress, doggedly advocated increased 
funding for healthcare and breast cancer research, and fought for human 
rights at home and abroad.
  It was her courageous fight against PNTR and for human fights in 
China, that first introduced me to Nancy when I came to Congress two 
years ago. I fought along side Nancy as she championed U.S. global 
leadership for human rights and sustainable development.
  Nancy is a loyal friend. I'll never forget how Nancy stepped forward 
on my behalf during my bid for a position on the rules committee. Nancy 
Pelosi is always willing to go to bat for her friends. This is the 
Nancy I know! Nancy has been going to bat for the people of California 
for 16 years and now she is going to bat for the Democratic Party and 
the entire nation.
  I look forward to Nancy's truly groundbreaking leadership as she 
leads our party and our nation into the twenty-first century.
  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a Member of the 
House, whom I consider not only a gifted leader but a dear friend. 
History is being made as Nancy Pelosi is officially sworn in as the new 
Democratic Whip.
  But history will ultimately cite not only the election of the 
highest-ranking women in the U.S. House of Representatives, it will sit 
in judgment of the effectiveness of her tenure as Whip. The work has 
only just begun. And I have every confidence that history will judge 
this election not only as a landmark event in American history, but a 
turning point for the Democratic Party and democratic principles. The 
reason for my optimism is pretty simple. Nancy is a born leader. A lot 
can be said of her skills, her knack for organizing, her perseverance, 
and her personal commitment to excellence. But of all the positive 
things that can be said on her skills and talent, one word always comes 
to mind when you think of Nancy Pelosi: leadership. Nancy is a leader 
when she speaks out for the underprivileged and the disenfranchised. 
Nancy is a leader in the way she brings people and causes together in a 
collective and collaborative process. Nancy's leadership drives her to 
focus on goals and results.
  Integrity, honesty, and hard work are the pillars of her success. And 
I know that she will work tirelessly to forward democratic causes. And 
working with the Democratic Leader--Dick Gephardt--have every 
confidence that the Democratic Caucus and Party are on the cusp of a 
new and exciting era.
  So to Nancy Pelosi I say you have my every confidence and my total 
support. Now--let's get to work. Congratulations!
  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, we are all here today to honor our 
colleague and friend Nancy Pelosi. As a fellow Californian and a 
friend, it is hard for me to hide my delight at Nancy's election as 
Democratic Whip. For nearly fifteen years, Nancy has done a wonderful 
job representing the city of San Francisco in Congress. From education, 
health care, housing, and the economy, she has worked to improve the 
quality of life for Californians--and all Americans.
  On October 10, 2001, the Democratic Caucus made history. We made 
history by electing Nancy to the highest position ever held by a woman 
in Congress. Electing a woman to a leadership position was long 
overdue. And while the Democratic Party continues to be the party of 
progress, our work is not yet complete.
  Nancy, with your election as House Democratic Whip, we made history, 
we've made progress, and now we will work together to improve American 
government and to better the lives of the American people. Thank you 
Nancy for your leadership and your friendship. Congratulations!

                          ____________________