Comentarios from Maria: “Leader Pelosi is a Tremendous Asset for the American People”

Following House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s decision to remain in leadership in Congress, the question about her being good for the Democratic Party has been making its rounds. As a woman and a Latina Democrat, I cannot be more thrilled that she continues to be our leader in the House, and believe she is an invaluable asset not only to our party but to our Congress and country as a whole.

In 2006 when she became the first woman in history to serve as the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,  she presided over the most successful Congress in history. She has helped elect a record number of women, Latinos, and African-Americans, and is a tireless fighter for the middle class and those who are most vulnerable in our country.

The 2012 Democratic victories will ensure that Pelosi’s achievements during her Speakership remain secure, among them: jobs, health care, college affordability, innovation, renewable energy, rights of women, Wall Street Reform, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. In 2012 she elected a historically diverse, 200-plus seat Member Caucus that is composed, for the first time, of a majority women and minorities.

In the words of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi “is an extraordinary leader for the American people,” and she no doubt has what it takes to continue to lead a united Democratic Caucus that will play a crucial role in developing a responsible deficit reduction package — working with President Obama and our colleagues in the Senate — that protects Social Security and Medicare, the middle class and children, while asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.

Conservatives can’t seem to stand her because she has been so effective in driving a progressive, Democratic and American agenda that protects the middle class from the excesses of Wall Street and insurance companies, gives students an easier and more accessible path to go to college, and she worked with this president to a ensure that everybody had a fair shake in this great country. There is no doubt that she will continue to do so as minority leader in the next Congress. And our country will be better for it.