Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi contains a unique calm and resolve in her voice that remains, even when she is being targeted and attacked by opponents and even when she herself is blasting, censuring and edifying Donald Trump, his cabinet members, GOP leaders and the worst of the Republican Party.
In a recent Now This video on Twitter, Leader Pelosi is pestered by Republican Rep. John Faso during a speech she’s making that rallies against a new insidious “Wall Street-first” bill the GOP is slipping through. Pelosi is interrupted several times by Faso. Each time he is repeatedly told what time it is (pun intended.)
Below is the video followed by the transcript:
Now This:
Rep. Nancy Pelosi was repeatedly interrupted while speaking out against a GOP bill to gut consumer protections. But she wasn’t backing down.
Leader Nancy Pelosi:
They [Republicans] have always been handmaidens of the special interests—we know that. But even for them, when we think we have seen it all, this really takes them to a new low. And so, I don’t, as I say, I don’t paint all of Wall Street with the same brush.
Rep. John Faso:
How much time does the gentlewoman have?
Leader Nancy Pelosi:
As much as I need. I have as much [time] as I need. The American people want to know who stands with them. I know you [Rep. John Faso/Republicans] want me not to talk about this, because it is the truth about what you are doing to the American people. But as a leader I have the right to speak on the floor.
Rep. John Faso:
Will the gentlelady yield for a question? Will the gentlelady yield for a question?
Speaker Pro Tempore:
The gentlelady controls the time.
Leader Nancy Pelosi:
You have plenty of time to spread your malicious legislation to hurt the America people. I’m using my time to speak the truth to them about what this bill does to their financial stability. The American people want to know who stands with them and who stands with the special interests, my Republican colleagues. In the name of hardworking American families, I use my time on behalf of America’s hardworking families—not on behalf of the special interests.
Rep. John Faso:
Will the gentlelady yield for a question?
Speaker Pro Tempore:
The gentlelady controls the time.
Rep. John Faso:
How much time does gentlelady have left, Mr. Chairman?
Speaker Pro Tempore:
The gentlelady controls the time.
Leader Nancy Pelosi:
I urge my colleagues to make the choice to reject this dastardly Wall Street-first bill, and to vote in support our men and women in uniform, our seniors who have built this country, in support of those hardworking Americans who are saving for their children’s education hoping to achieve the American dream of home ownership and not want to be preyed upon by Republicans in Congress.
With that I yield back the balance—of my time.
Many of us would have gone off with the second interruption—I think I would have probably lost my mind on the third or fourth. Instead, Leader Pelosi carried on, got her important people-first message across while ripping into the self-serving Republican agenda, and then side-smirks as she yields back the floor. She stayed in complete control of the situation while putting Faso in his place.
Much thanks to Leader Nancy Pelosi for her skillful, unremitting strength, compassion and concern for the people, and her continuous, firm and unabashed leadership in the face of one of the most heinous and corrupt Republican parties most of us have ever seen or ever imagined during our lifetimes. During this era, Pelosi is able to inspire hope, empowerment and perseverance. It’s what real leaders do.
Related:
To learn more about some of the major accomplishments of the 110th Congress under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, visit: DemocraticLeader.gov or read below:
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats passed over 230 key measures — more than 70% with significant bipartisan support
“Mrs. Pelosi is arguably the most powerful woman in American history. There have been female governors, secretaries of state and Supreme Court justices, but only one female Speaker.” – The Economist, March 2010
Major accomplishments of the 110th Congress under the Democratic leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
The House had a quick, successful start (“Six for ’06” Agenda) and continued to build on that record of accomplishment throughout the Congress. Listed are selected highlights of the legislation signed into law:
Innovation and Jobs
Comprehensive Energy Legislation, which raised vehicle fuel efficiency standards (35 mpg by the year 2020) for the first time in 32 years, and making an historic commitment to American homegrown biofuels.
Tax Incentives for Clean Renewable Energy that helped create or save over 500,000 jobs.
Competes Act promoted high‐tech jobs, expanded math and science education, and boosted research and innovation.
Economic Recovery and Stimulus Package with Recovery Rebatesfor 130 million American middle class families to provide some help during difficult economic period.
Education
Largest Expansion of College Aid in Six Decades, cutting loan rates in half and increasing Pell Grants.
New GI Bill to provide free college education to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Head Start Reauthorization, first reform and expansion in 10 years.
Fairness
Minimum Wage Increase, first in 10 years, a $4,400 raise for 13 million Americans.
Economic Rescue Legislation to protect Main Street from the crisis on Wall Street.
Alternative Minimum Tax Reform protected 25 million middle‐class families from paying the AMT.
Mental Health Parity to end coverage discrimination against patients seeking treatment for mental illnesses.
Landmark Lobby and Ethics Reform, including creating of an outside, independent ethics panel.
National Security
Enacted 911 Commission recommendations to strengthen homeland security.
Largest Investment in Veteran’s Health care in the 77‐year history of the VA.
And in the words of former President Barack Obama:
“I cannot speak highly enough of Nancy Pelosi. She combines strong progressive values with extraordinary political skill ... I think she's a remarkable leader.”— President Barack Obama, November 2016