Our New Partnership for America's Future Reaffirms Commitment of House Democrats to a Strong and Secure Middle

Pelosi: 'Our New Partnership for America's Future Reaffirms Commitment of House Democrats to a Strong and Secure Middle

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Democrats, and Americans from across the country unveiled House Democrats' New Partnership for America's Future at an event this morning on the Capitol steps. Below are Leader Pelosi's opening and closing statements and the message document released at the event.

Opening Statement:

"Throughout our nation's history, hope and optimism for the future have always defined the American spirit. Our tradition has been to expand opportunity, and strengthen family and community. A vibrant middle class and an informed electorate have formed the foundation of our democracy.

"Our sense of fairness has insisted that all Americans share in our prosperity and that our government be accountable to the people. As elected officials, our first responsibility is to ensure our national security and to protect and defend the Constitution.

"Our New Partnership for America's Future reaffirms the commitment of House Democrats to these six core values for a strong and secure middle class: national security, prosperity, fairness, opportunity, community and accountability.

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Closing Statement:

"Today, these outstanding men and women have described the unmet needs of our country, citing values we all share: economic prosperity for all, national security, safe communities, educational opportunity, a fair health policy, and accountability to the American people. The New Partnership for America's Future is our pledge to the American people to honor those values. We welcome all Americans to join us in building a strong and secure nation.

"House Democrats are united, focused, and totally committed to taking the bold steps needed to strengthen the middle class that is the heart of our democracy. When the American people entrust us to set the legislative agenda of this House, we will succeed and so will our country.

"We are here to serve the American people. It is their greatness, their fair-mindedness, their commitment to family, and their willingness to hope and dream that sustains our country. For more than 215 years, they have sent their representatives to Washington with a most awesome challenge: Openly debate, and fashion laws and policies that will make our economy sound, our institutions fair and flexible, our society just, our environment protected, our people educated and healthy, our religions and beliefs free from constraint, and our homeland secure from terror.

"There has never been a group of legislators more capable of meeting that challenge than the House Democrats who gather here today. And there has never been a greater urgency.

"This New Partnership is our pledge to build a future worthy of the vision of our Founding Fathers, worthy of the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, and worthy of the aspirations of our children.

"President John F. Kennedy, delivering his Inaugural Address at this very building, reminded us of the great responsibility that has been given to us as your elected representatives. He said: 'With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God's work must truly be our own.'

"And so today, we go forward in a New Partnership 'to lead the land we love.' May God guide us in this work. May God bless all of you. And May God bless America."