Press Conference with the House Democrats - The One-Year Anniversary of the Democrats' New Direction

Statement

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SPEAKER PELOSI: Thank you, Steny. Thank you all.

One year ago the American people -- the American people entrusted their hopes and their dreams, their aspirations for themselves, for their families and for the future in this new-direction Congress. We come here today with great pride and great confidence in what we have achieved and what remains for us to be done. I am proud to stand before our majority House Democratic Caucus and salute them, from our chairmen to our newest members, for their great leadership on behalf of the American people. (Applause.)

With their leadership, this new-direction Congress is focusing on creating a great America for our children and our grandchildren. We have begun to restore the American dream by rewarding work, by creating new jobs through innovation, and by making college more affordable for many, many young Americans. (Applause.)

We have begun to restore accountability by making this the most honest, the most open and the most accountable Congress in history. (Applause.) We are holding the Bush administration accountable for its failed policies in Iraq. Because our first responsibility is to make America safer, we will never stop fighting for a new direction in Iraq -- (applause) -- a direction that strengthens our military, refocuses on the real war on terrorism, and brings greater stability to the region. Every day, we will work very, very hard to bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon. (Applause.)

With faith in the future, the new-direction Congress will continue to make progress for America's children. With faith in God, I know that we will succeed. Thank you.

MORE (Applause.)

And so today, we will hear from Americans from across the country, and in that presentation, we will start where we began the new direction Congress in making America safer.

I am pleased to recognize an Iraq veteran, Congressman Patrick Murphy, of Pennsylvania, and in recognizing him, recognizing the courage, the patriotism and the sacrifice of all of America's men and women in uniform.

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