'Hour has come for new generation to lead' - First female US speaker Nancy Pelosi steps down
The first US female speaker, Nancy Pelosi, 82, announced that she will step down as Madam Speaker, after two decades in the position. President Joe Biden praised Pelosi for protecting democracy and said that the "lives of millions of Americans are better".
Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the trailblazing first woman to wield the speaker's gavel in the US House of Representatives, said Thursday that she will step down as party leader when Republicans take control of the chamber in January.
"I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress," Pelosi said in an emotional speech on the House floor. "The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus."
The 82-year-old Pelosi's departure from party leadership marks the end of an era in Washington and comes after Republicans secured a slim House majority in last week's midterm elections.
Democratic President Joe Biden hailed Pelosi as a "fierce defender of democracy" and the "most consequential" House speaker in US history.
"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," Biden said in a statement.
"History will also note her fierceness and resolve to protect our democracy from the violent, deadly insurrection of January 6," when supporters of former president Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol, he said.
Former president Barack Obama also hailed the woman he called "one of the most accomplished legislators in American history."
"I couldn't be more grateful for her friendship and leadership," he tweeted.
Elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi became speaker in 2007, the first and so far only woman ever to hold the powerful post.
Known for keeping a tight grip on party ranks, she presided over both impeachments of Trump during her second stint in the role.
"The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus."
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 18, 2022
Democrat Nancy Pelosi - the trailblazing first woman to wield the speaker's gavel in the US House of Representatives - is stepping down as party leaderhttps://t.co/5qfjI347hY pic.twitter.com/AL3KsXOjBr
Thank you all — and may God continue to bless the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/XDlQRwvDjY
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) November 17, 2022
Scripture teaches us that, for everything, there is a season – and a time for every purpose under heaven.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) November 17, 2022
As Speaker, it has been my privilege to play a part in forging extraordinary progress for the American people. pic.twitter.com/lCFZc4qNfc
Now, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Caucus that I so deeply respect.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) November 17, 2022
I am grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility. pic.twitter.com/KDrCt5tptz
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