WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement in response to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that she would not seek the position of Democratic leader in the 118th Congress.
“Nancy Pelosi has been one of the strongest and most effective Speakers in U.S. history. Coming from Baltimore, this should surprise no one. Publicly and privately, she has moved mountains as a leader and has been a role model for my granddaughters and young people nationwide for her intelligence and strategic thinking. Her skill as a legislator and public servant kept coalitions together when no one else thought it possible. Speaker Pelosi helped deliver health care for millions, brought forward coalitions that passed generational investments in our nation’s infrastructure and environment, and – working with the Senate and Democratic presidents – helped bring our national economy back from financial hardship. Most importantly, Nancy Pelosi has been a trusted steward of American values and human rights, defending our Constitution and the rule of law when they were under direct threat, even from within. I am proud to call Speaker Pelosi a friend. She may be relinquishing her official title as leader of the House Democrats, but she will always be a leader of this nation.”
