US: Speaker Nancy Pelosi who shattered the “marble ceiling” to become the first woman to lead the U.S. House announced on Thursday she will step down from party leadership.
“With great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress. For me the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect,” Pelosi said in a speech on the House floor. “I’m grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility.”
Pelosi said she will continue to represent her San Francisco district in the House.
Her decision comes a day after Republicans officially won control of the House of Representatives in the 2022 midterms, and three weeks after the violent assault on her husband, Paul, at their San Francisco home.
Her decision comes as no surprise on Capitol Hill, and is consistent with a promise she made four years ago to self term limit after Democrats won the majority in 2018 and she became the first Speaker since the legendary Sam Rayburn to claim the Speakership twice.
Even those who previously clashed with Pelosi praise her record of steering her often divided caucus through difficult times, with little room for error. With only a 5-seat majority the Speaker helped muscle through President Biden’s legislative accomplishments — a pandemic aid bill, a bipartisan infrastructure bill, legislation boosting production of semi conductor chips, and a measure lowering prescription drug costs and investing in climate programmes.
Biden and Pelosi spoke Thursday morning, according to the White House, and the president congratulated her on her historic tenure, one that he noted was made over four terms: “I know because I’ve seen her in action during my career as Senator, Vice President, and now as President,” Biden said in a statement following her announcement.
“Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are better, even in districts represented by Republicans who voted against her bills and too often vilify her,” the statement reads. “That’s Nancy — always working for the dignity of all of the people,” Biden said. - CNBC’
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