Statement from Ellen R. Malcolm on the Historic Swearing In of Rep. Nancy Pelosi to Speaker of the House

I felt pride, excitement, awe, and much, much more watching Nancy Pelosi take the oath as the first woman Speaker of the House. What a tremendous, historic achievement for our nation and for all of us who have worked so hard to put women in power!

I was delighted to sit in the House gallery during the swearing in ceremony, which gave me a wonderful view of the 50 Democratic women in the House. From Nita Lowey and Jolene Unsoeld in 1988 to our winners in 2006, every pro-choice Democratic woman came to Congress the old-fashioned way: she earned it.

Just think about these record-breaking numbers: 50 Democratic women in the U.S. House, 11 in the U.S. Senate, and 46 in important statewide positions across the country, including governor—the largest increase in a single election of Democratic women at this level in history!

This is the highest political leadership post ever held by a woman. It puts Nancy Pelosi in the driver's seat as we begin to fulfill the will of the electorate and reshape the national agenda. This smart, tough, effective woman leading the Congress will help pave the way for the future of all women in politics.

Together, we have helped make history for women!

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