Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was quick to express her disgust this week over Donald Trump’s appointment of white supremacist and Breibart lead propagandist Steve Bannon to the position of White House “Chief Strategist.” In her statement, Pelosi did not mince words.
“Bringing Steve Bannon into the White House is an alarming signal that President-elect Trump remains committed to the hateful and divisive vision that defined his campaign. There must be no sugarcoating the reality that a white nationalist has been named chief strategist for the Trump Administration.
Democrats are committed to finding common ground for hard-working families. But we will stand our ground and strongly oppose attempts by this Administration to scapegoat and persecute Americans because of who they are, how they worship, or who they love.”
On Thursday, Pelosi met with the vice president-elect. She reiterated to Mike Pence, and to the press, that Bannon was racist. Pence reportedly did not agree.
The following day on Friday, our Democratic Leader released another statement after it was reported that Trump was now planning to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions as the next Attorney General and Congressman Mike Pompeo to be Director of the CIA.
Once again, Pelosi censured the horrendous choices by Trump:
“Days after naming a white nationalist [Steve Bannon] as his Chief Strategist, the President-elect has chosen an Attorney General with a long record of racially offensive statements, discriminatory goals, and contempt for voting rights. As Attorney General, Jeff Sessions would have dangerous new authority to attack civil rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of immigrants and people of color.
“Senator Sessions’ record of racially-charged comments and actions was considered disqualifying for a district judgeship by the standards of 1986, and now in 2016 President-elect Trump wants to make him the chief law enforcement officer in America. In fact, in recent years, Senator Sessions’ conduct toward Latino and immigrant families has only grown more disconcerting.
“The Department of Justice and the CIA need non-partisan leaders the American people can trust implicitly. Yet Congressman Mike Pompeo, a leading cheerleader of the Benghazi witch hunt, is now being asked to fill one of the most serious and sober national security positions there is. Democrats have grave concerns with these men being selected to offices with such sweeping consequences for the rights and security of the American people.”
It’s a surreal, messed-up America right now and we need leaders like Pelosi who are not afraid to get right up in the GOP’s face when they’re wrong. We need every voice objecting to Donald Trump, a carpetbagger of a human being who somehow got elected to the highest office in the nation — #NotMyPresident. I can’t even put his name and the word “president” together.
Thank you, Leader Pelosi, for charging into reality and calling out the cronies by name and by the despicableness they stand for. You continue to make us proud. May every elected Democrat, Republican and American follow your lead.
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 Rebates for 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
