Transcript of Pelosi Remarks at Press Event Celebrating House Passage of South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosijoined Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, advocates and other Members of Congress for a press event celebrating the House's passage of H.R. 3771, the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Thank you very much.

Well, I know so much has been said about this legislation. It's no use my going into the details of it, except that it meets the needs of the people. I want to thank Congresswoman Jayapal for her leadership on this – and Judy Chu, the Chair of CAPAC. Judy and – they double teamed on this.

[Laughter]

And something we call Crescendo.

The – let me make this point. And I thank all of you, every part of this, because the – as I say over and over: inside maneuvering, we can do so much. The outside mobilization makes the policy better.

But this legislation right here, right now, that has been passed in the House is a real manifestation of the beautiful diversity of Congress. If we had not had Congresswoman Jayapal here to explain it – we didn't know. We did not know until she called to our attention, the just – how different it was – the different impact on people from southeast – from South Asia.

So, thank you, Congresswoman Jayapal. You're a real tribute to our speaking out for diversity in the Congress in so many ways. And Congresswoman – Madam Chair, Judy Chu just bringing it up and bringing it up: ‘When's it coming to the Floor? What's the timetable?' And all the rest of that.

So you know what the bill does, you know the testimony that has been given to it in terms of what it will mean in people's lives. We had the benefit of health professionals telling us why it's important, how it will make a difference. And, again, our purpose to meet the needs of the people.

But it would not have happened – I take great pride in our Caucus being over 70 percent women, people – women, people of color and LGBTQ, and therefore our policy is better, more reflective of meeting all of the needs of the American people. And it passed with a nice – a nice vote on the Floor of the House.

So, I'm honored to be here – to be part of it. But I salute those who made it – really made it possible.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

# # #