Leadership and Legacy
Legacy of Grace
This week, I paid tribute on the House Floor to the extraordinary life and legacy of Rita Semel, one of the great moral forces in San Francisco and a beloved leader in our community. For decades, Rita dedicated her life to bringing together people of different faiths, backgrounds and perspectives in pursuit of peace, dignity and mutual understanding.
I was privileged to know Rita as a dear friend for more than half a century and to witness firsthand her extraordinary commitment to justice and service. At moments when division would have been easier, Rita always chose dialogue, bridge-building and grace. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a remarkable life that inspired many and leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion and community that will endure for years to come.
Speaker Emerita Pelosi pays tribute to Rita Semel on the House Floor.
Gardens and Gratitude
This week, I was deeply honored that the Obama Foundation announced the naming of the Nancy Pelosi Garden Pavilion at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. President Obama’s leadership transformed our nation and inspired millions around the world, and I will always treasure the opportunity to have served alongside him during one of the most consequential periods in our country’s history. I am profoundly grateful to President Obama, the Obama Foundation and Ron and Gayle Conway for this extraordinary recognition and for their enduring commitment to leadership, community and opportunity.
The Obama Presidential Center will stand as a beacon for civic engagement and a reminder that progress is built by those willing to lead with courage, conviction and hope. As we confront challenges to our democracy and continue the fight for justice and equality, it is essential that we invest in future generations of leaders who will carry our values forward. It is my hope that this Garden Pavilion will inspire young people to believe in the power of public service and the promise of America.
The Nancy Pelosi Garden Pavilion at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Courage and Conviction
Earlier this week, I spoke on the House Floor in support of a bipartisan resolution calling for the release of Jimmy Lai and other political prisoners unjustly detained by the government of the People’s Republic of China. For decades, Democrats and Republicans have come together to defend human rights and speak out for those silenced by authoritarian regimes, because no person should be imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms or practicing their faith. On the Floor, I made clear that these courageous individuals are not forgotten.
As America continues engaging with China, we must never allow commercial interests to silence our advocacy for human rights and democracy. If we fail to speak out against repression, persecution and injustice because it is politically or economically convenient, we lose the moral authority to call out human rights abuses anywhere in the world.
Speaker Emerita Pelosi calls for the release of Jimmy Lai on the House Floor.
Defending Democracy
This week, I was honored to accept the Democracy Defender Award from Democracy Defenders Action alongside so many leaders committed to protecting the Constitution and the rule of law. At a moment when our democratic institutions continue to face serious challenges, DDA reaffirms that democracy is never self-executing—it demands vigilance, courage and participation from every generation.
Across the country, Americans are speaking out against political extremism, attacks on our elections and efforts to undermine trust in our democratic institutions. Democrats have continued fighting to expand access to the ballot, strengthen transparency and accountability in government and uphold the rule of law because the American people deserve a democracy worthy of their trust.
Speaker Emerita Pelosi accepts the Democracy Defender Award.