Pelosi Statement on President Obama’s Farewell Address
Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Obama delivered his Presidential Farewell Address:
"President Barack Obama belongs among the greatest presidents in American history. With the trail-blazing leadership of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, our nation has been graced by eight historic years of vision, dignity, and progress for hard-working American families – and respect for the brave men and women who serve and have served in our military. Tonight, President Obama delivered his farewell address to a nation that is stronger by every measure because of his leadership.
"President Obama and Vice President Biden, with the partnership of Democrats in Congress, have built a towering legacy of achievement for the American people. They expanded freedom by enacting the Lilly Ledbetter Act and comprehensive federal hate-crimes legislation, and by ending ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell' for LGBT Americans to serve openly in our military. They strengthened the economic stability of America's families through the bold action of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and by increasing affordability and expanding access in the Affordable Care Act. They demanded accountability by enacting the landmark Wall Street consumer financial reforms of Dodd-Frank. They embodied respect for the dignity and worth of all people through their leadership on immigrant families and refugees.
"Thanks to President Obama's bold global leadership, Iran's pathways to nuclear weapons are blocked, and the nations of the world have come together in a historic accord to confront the climate crisis that threatens our planet.
"President Obama and Vice President Biden have earned their place in the pantheon of American democracy. Every American can be proud of the leadership and dignity the Obamas and the Bidens brought to the White House. Tonight, we again saw President Obama's great respect for America's remarkable history. At this bittersweet farewell, we find solace and strength in knowing President Obama and Vice President Biden have always been about the future, and will continue to be a formidable force for good in the years ahead."
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