History of Nancy Pelosi in Timeline
Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician, notably serving as the 52nd Speaker of the House, twice holding the position. As a Democrat representing California since 1987, she made history as the first female Speaker and the first woman to lead a major party in Congress. She led House Democrats from 2003 to 2023, marking a significant career in American politics. Her district currently encompasses most of San Francisco.
1912: Mother's immigration to the U.S.
In 1912, Pelosi's mother emigrated to the U.S. from Fornelli, Isernia, Molise, in Southern Italy.
March 26, 1940: Nancy Pelosi's Birth
On March 26, 1940, Nancy Patricia Pelosi (née D'Alesandro) was born. She later became the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
1949: Democratic Representation Since 1949
Since 1949, the area Nancy Pelosi represents has been represented in the House by Democrats uninterruptedly.
1955: Sam Rayburn Reclaims the Gavel
In 1955, Sam Rayburn reclaimed the gavel, marking the first instance of a former speaker doing so since Rayburn's achievement.
1958: Graduation from the Institute of Notre Dame
In 1958, Nancy Pelosi graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame, an all-girls Catholic high school in Baltimore.
January 1961: Attended John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
In January 1961, Nancy Pelosi attended President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address.
1962: Graduation from Trinity College
In 1962, Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity College (now Trinity Washington University) in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
1964: Supports expansion of the Civil Rights Act
Nancy Pelosi supports the Equality Act, which aims to expand the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
1967: Brother Thomas Elected Baltimore City Council President
In 1967, Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, was elected Baltimore City Council president.
1971: Brother Thomas Ends Term as Baltimore Mayor
In 1971, Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, ended his term as mayor of Baltimore.
1974: Trade Act Amendment
In 1974, the Trade Act of 1974 was amended by the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. This amendment required the president to inform Congress if he intended to waive the Act to have a most favored nation trading relationship with a non-market economy.
1974: Post-Watergate Elections
The 2018 House of Representatives elections resulted in the Democratic Party's largest gain since the 1974 post-Watergate elections. This was referenced by Nancy Pelosi as she secured the Speaker of the House position once again in January 2019.
1976: Elected as a Democratic National Committee Member
In 1976, Nancy Pelosi was elected as a Democratic National Committee member from California.
1977: Elected as Party Chair for Northern California
In 1977, Nancy Pelosi was elected as party chair for Northern California.
1983: Ended Term as Head of the California Democratic Party
In 1983, Nancy Pelosi's term as head of the California Democratic Party came to an end.
1983: Death of Phillip Burton
In 1983, Phillip Burton died and his wife, Sala Burton, won a special election to fill his congressional term.
1984: Chairwoman of the San Francisco Democratic National Convention Host Committee
In 1984, Pelosi served as the San Francisco Democratic National Convention Host Committee chairwoman.
1985: Finance Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
In 1985, Nancy Pelosi became the Finance Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
1986: End of Term as Finance Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
In 1986, Nancy Pelosi's term as the Finance Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee came to an end.
1986: Sala Burton Becomes Ill with Cancer
In late 1986, Sala Burton became ill with cancer and decided not to run for reelection in 1988.
February 1, 1987: Death of Sala Burton
Sala Burton died on February 1, 1987, one month after being sworn in for a second full term.
April 7, 1987: Pelosi Wins Special Election
On April 7, 1987, Nancy Pelosi won the special election to succeed Sala Burton, defeating Harry Britt.
1987: Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act.
1987: Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Civil Rights Restoration Act
1987: First Election to Congress
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi was first elected to Congress in a special election.
1987: Pelosi's 1987 Campaign
Unlike in her 1987 campaign, Pelosi has not participated in candidates' debates in her reelection campaigns.
March 1988: Vote for Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987
In March 1988, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and to override President Ronald Reagan's veto.
April 28, 1988: Abandoned Shipwrecks Act Signed into Law
On April 28, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987 into law, which Nancy Pelosi voted for.
1988: First Reelection Campaign
In 1988, Nancy Pelosi started her first seven reelection campaigns.
1988: Sala Burton Decides Not to Run for Reelection
In 1988, Sala Burton decided not to run for reelection due to illness and wanted Nancy Pelosi to succeed her, guaranteeing Pelosi the support of the Burtons' contacts.
1989: Tiananmen Square Protests
In 1989, Nancy Pelosi took a harsher stance towards China than President George H.W. Bush, after the Tiananmen Square protests.
1989: Pelosi's Position on China After Tiananmen Square Protests
In 1989, after the Tiananmen Square protests, Nancy Pelosi advocated for a tougher stance against China than President George H.W. Bush. Supported by Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, she criticized Bush's China policy, suggesting Congress should oppose the annual presidential waiver for China under the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.
December 1990: Ryan White CARE Act Signed into Law
In December 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Ryan White CARE Act into law. Pelosi co-authored the Act, which allocated funding dedicated to providing treatment and services for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
1991: Pelosi Opposes U.S. Intervention in Gulf War
In 1991, Nancy Pelosi was against the United States' decision to intervene in the Gulf War.
1991: Pelosi's Protest in Tiananmen Square
In 1991, as part of a Congressional delegation, Nancy Pelosi unfurled a banner in Tiananmen Square, leading to a confrontation with Chinese police. She also advocated for allowing Chinese political prisoners and dissidents to immigrate to the U.S.
1994: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act Becomes Law
In 1994, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which Nancy Pelosi helped shape, became law.
1995: Voted against Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment
In 1995, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment, which ultimately failed to pass in the Senate despite passing in the House.
1995: Pelosi Votes in Favor of Jerusalem Embassy Act
In 1995, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which urged the federal government to relocate the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
1996: Voted against the Defense of Marriage Act
In 1996, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Defense of Marriage Act, showcasing her support for LGBT rights.
1996: End of Term as Democratic National Committee Member
In 1996, Nancy Pelosi's term as Democratic National Committee member from California came to an end.
1998: 1998 Abortion Funding Amendment Vote
In 1998, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the Abortion Funding Amendment, which would have allowed district funds to promote abortion-related activities while prohibiting the use of federal funds.
1999: Co-sponsored legislation that omitted American Samoa from minimum wage raise
As early as 1999, Nancy Pelosi co-sponsored legislation that omitted American Samoa from a raise in the minimum wage. American Samoa was later included as part of HR 2206 in the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007.
1999: Voted against displaying Ten Commandments in public buildings
In 1999, Nancy Pelosi voted against displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools. She also voted for the No Child Left Behind Act.
1999: Pelosi Calls on Clinton to Address 1989 Protests
In 1999, ahead of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the U.S., Nancy Pelosi urged President Clinton and Vice President Gore to ask Zhu to acknowledge the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests as a pro-democracy movement.
2000: Prolific Fundraiser
Nancy Pelosi established herself as a prominent fundraiser for the Democratic party early in her political career. During the 2000 election cycles, she contributed the most money to other congressional campaigns.
2001: CIA Misled Congress
Democratic lawmakers alleged CIA Director Leon Panetta asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a number of years spanning back to 2001 regarding interrogation techniques, casting clouds on the controversy.
2001: Vote on USA Patriot Act
In 2001, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the USA Patriot Act.
2001: Election as House Minority Whip
In 2001, Nancy Pelosi was elected as House minority whip.
November 15, 2002: Pelosi Defeats Ford for Leadership
On November 15, 2002, Nancy Pelosi defeated Harold Ford Jr. in a closed-door vote to become the leader of the House Democratic Caucus.
November 2002: Elected to Replace Gephardt as House Minority Leader
In November 2002, Nancy Pelosi was elected to replace Dick Gephardt as House minority leader, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber of Congress.
2002: Del Monte acquired StarKist Tuna
In 2002, Del Monte acquired StarKist Tuna.
2002: Opposed Iraq Resolution
In 2002, Nancy Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force against Iraq.
2002: Briefed on "enhanced interrogation techniques"
In 2002, as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Nancy Pelosi was briefed on the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, on Abu Zubaydah, and she was assured by CIA and DOJ lawyers that the methods were legal.
2002: Prolific Fundraiser
Nancy Pelosi was a prolific fundraiser for the Democratic party early in her political career. During the 2002 election cycles, she contributed the most money to other congressional campaigns.
2003: $400 Million Raised
From 2003 to 2014, Pelosi raised more than $400 million in campaign funds.
2003: Voted against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003
In 2003, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act and earlier attempts at similar bans.
2003: Concurred with objections raised by Jane Harman
In early 2003, Nancy Pelosi concurred with objections raised by Jane Harman in a letter to the CIA regarding the use of enhanced interrogation techniques.
2003: Departure from Congressional Progressive Caucus
Nancy Pelosi left the Congressional Progressive Caucus in 2003 after being elected House minority leader.
2003: Pelosi's Second-in-Command
Since 2003, Steny Hoyer has been Pelosi's second-in-command.
2004: Gephardt Seeks Democratic Nomination
In 2004, Dick Gephardt resigned as House minority leader to seek the Democratic nomination in the presidential election.
2004: Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment
In 2004, Nancy Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which aimed to define marriage as between one man and one woman in the U.S. Constitution.
2004: Seventh Reelection Campaign
In 2004, Nancy Pelosi won an average of 80% of the vote in her first seven reelection campaigns (from 1988 through 2004).
2004: House Democrats Considered Impeachment Proceedings
In 2004, after Bush's reelection, some House Democrats considered impeachment proceedings against him, claiming he had misled Congress about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and violated Americans' civil liberties.
2004: Pelosi Opposes Social Security Reform
In 2004, after being reelected, President Bush proposed reforming Social Security, but Pelosi opposed the plan, imposing party discipline and leading her caucus to near-unanimous opposition, which resulted in the proposal being defeated.
2004: Democratic Party Lost Seats in the House Elections
In the 2004 House elections, the Democratic Party lost three seats, coinciding with Bush's reelection as president.
November 2005: Pelosi Endorses Murtha's Proposal
In November 2005, Nancy Pelosi held a press conference endorsing John Murtha's proposal for a U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.
2005: Vote on Patriot Act Reauthorization
In 2005, Nancy Pelosi voted against reauthorization of certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act.
May 2006: Impeachment Investigation 'Off the Table'
In May 2006, with the possibility of Democrats taking back control of the House, Pelosi told colleagues that an impeachment investigation of Bush was "off the table".
November 16, 2006: Pelosi Nominated for Speaker
On November 16, 2006, the Democratic caucus unanimously nominated Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House after the Democrats gained control of the House in the 2006 elections.
2006: District Voters in 2006
As of 2006, 13% of registered voters in the boundaries of Nancy Pelosi's district were Republican.
2006: Pelosi on Palestinian Authority Elections
Before the 2006 elections in the Palestinian Authority, Nancy Pelosi voted for a Congressional initiative that disapproved of participation in the elections by Hamas and other organizations defined as terrorist.
2006: Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi again voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, continuing her opposition to defining marriage as solely between one man and one woman.
2006: Focused on Retaking the House Majority
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi focused on retaking the House majority, criticizing the Bush administration more effectively and contrasting the Democratic Party with it.
2006: Vote Against Secure Fence Act
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Secure Fence Act.
2006: Third Largest Fundraiser
In 2006, Pelosi was the Democratic Party's third-largest fundraiser, behind former first couple Bill and Hillary Clinton.
2006: Republican Advertisements Assailing Pelosi
In 2006, Republicans started a concerted effort to taint the public perception of Nancy Pelosi by running advertisements assailing her.
2006: Call to Change
In 2006, the election was a call to change with a new direction for the country, especially concerning the open-ended obligation to the war in Iraq.
2006: Capture of Israeli Soldiers
In 2006, three Israeli soldiers were captured by Hezbollah and Hamas.
2006: Democrats Gain House Majority
In the 2006 midterm elections, Nancy Pelosi led the Democrats to a majority in the House for the first time in 12 years.
January 4, 2007: Pelosi Elected Speaker of the House
On January 4, 2007, Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House, defeating Republican John Boehner.
January 5, 2007: Pelosi and Reid Condemned Bush's Plan
On January 5, 2007, Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid condemned President Bush's plan to increase troop levels in Iraq, suggesting a letter to the President.
January 12, 2007: Resolution on Presidential Authority in Iran
On January 12, 2007, Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced a resolution stipulating that unless there was a national emergency caused by an attack from Iran, the president would need to consult Congress before initiating military force against Iran.
February 15, 2007: Pelosi on Bush's Stance on Iran
On February 15, 2007, Nancy Pelosi stated that President Bush consistently expressed support for a diplomatic resolution regarding differences with Iran, and she trusted his word. She also indicated that Congress should assert itself to clarify that the president does not have prior authorization to take military action against Iran.
May 2007: Pelosi Scolds Colombian President Álvaro Uribe
In May 2007, Nancy Pelosi publicly scolded Colombian President Álvaro Uribe during his state visit to America. Pelosi released a statement expressing growing concerns about allegations of links between paramilitary groups and Colombian government officials, and also opposed the Colombian free-trade agreement.
2007: Pelosi Held Firm Against Impeachment
After becoming speaker in 2007, Nancy Pelosi held firm against impeaching President Bush, despite strong support for it among her constituents.
2007: Pelosi's office said she protested use of interrogation techniques
In 2007, Nancy Pelosi's office stated that she had protested the use of enhanced interrogation techniques at the time they were implemented, and she supported concerns raised by Jane Harman in a 2003 letter to the CIA.
2007: Spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
In 2007, as Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 as part of the 100-Hour Plan, raising the minimum wage in the United States and its territories.
September 2008: Pelosi Hosts Reception with Israeli Speaker
In September 2008, Nancy Pelosi hosted a reception in Washington with Israeli Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik, along with 20 members of Congress, toasting the friendship between Israel and the United States. Pelosi held up replica dog tags of the three Israeli soldiers captured in 2006, symbolizing sacrifices made by the people of Israel.
2008: Rebuked by Archbishop Donald Wuerl
In 2008, Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., rebuked Nancy Pelosi for comments she made on Meet the Press with Tom Brokaw. Pelosi's comments concerned the Church's teaching on abortion and when human life begins, with the archbishop stating Pelosi was "incorrect".
2008: Pelosi Opposes Embargo on Cuba
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi voiced her opposition to the embargo on Cuba, stating she didn't believe it was successful, and advocated for removing travel bans and increasing people-to-people exchanges with Cuba.
2008: Pelosi Named Permanent Chair
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi was named Permanent Chair of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
2008: Welcomed California's decision to overturn ban on same-sex marriage
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi welcomed the Supreme Court of California's decision to overturn the state's ban on marriage between same-sex couples and voiced opposition to California Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman.
2008: Pelosi Criticizes China's Handling of Tibet Unrest
In 2008, after meeting with the Dalai Lama, Nancy Pelosi criticized China for its handling of the unrest in Tibet. Addressing a crowd in Dharamsala, India, she called on "freedom-loving people" to denounce China's human rights abuses in Tibet. She also commended the European Parliament for awarding the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Chinese dissident Hu Jia and demanded his release from prison.
2008: Pelosi Withstood Challenge by Cindy Sheehan
In the 2008 election, Nancy Pelosi withstood a challenge for her seat by antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan, who ran as an independent because of Pelosi's refusal to pursue impeachment.
January 25, 2009: Support for Family Planning Services
On January 25, 2009, in an interview with George Stephanopoulos for ABC News, Nancy Pelosi stated that one of the reasons she supported family planning services was that they would "reduce costs to states and to the federal government."
February 2009: Meeting with Archbishop and Pope Benedict XVI
In February 2009, Nancy Pelosi met with Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer of San Francisco and Pope Benedict XVI regarding the controversy stemming from her comments on abortion.
March 2009: Controversy over USAF Aircraft Use
In March 2009, Judicial Watch obtained emails showing Pelosi's staff requested a Boeing 757 from the United States Air Force (USAF) for taxpayer-funded travel. Pelosi stated the policy was initiated by President Bush for security reasons, and the Sergeant at Arms requested a plane capable of non-stop flight. The Pentagon stated that no judgement had been rendered that Pelosi's use of aircraft was "excessive".
April 2009: Pelosi Denied Being Told About Waterboarding
In April 2009, during a press conference, Nancy Pelosi stated that she was never informed about the use of waterboarding or other enhanced interrogation techniques during briefings, only that the Office of Legislative Counsel had provided opinions that they could be used, but not that they would be.
June 26, 2009: Democratic Lawmakers Allege CIA Misled Congress
On June 26, 2009, several leading Democratic lawmakers in the House signed a letter alleging that CIA Director Leon Panetta had asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a "number of years" spanning back to 2001 regarding interrogation techniques.
December 2009: House Majority
In November and December 2009, Nancy Pelosi worked with a House majority as large as 81 seats (258–177).
2009: Passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
In 2009, Nancy Pelosi participated in the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 during the Obama administration.
2009: Pelosi Reelected as Speaker
In 2009, Nancy Pelosi was reelected as Speaker of the House.
January 2010: Pelosi Spearheaded Affordable Care Act
In January 2010, after Republican Scott Brown won Ted Kennedy's former Senate seat, Nancy Pelosi spearheaded the Affordable Care Act after dismissing Obama's scaled-back ideas as "kiddie care."
March 2010: Pelosi Assessed as Most Powerful Woman
By early 2010, analysts were assessing Nancy Pelosi as possibly the most powerful woman in U.S. history. In March 2010, Mark Shields wrote about her power.
November 2010: Opinion on Pelosi's Influence
In November 2010, Brian Naylor of NPR expressed his opinion of Pelosi.
November 2010: Pelosi's Record as Speaker Called "Mixed"
In November 2010, after Democrats lost their House majority, Politico writer John Bresnahan called Nancy Pelosi's record as speaker "mixed", noting her power but also her unpopularity and the negative impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the party's electoral performance.
November 17, 2010: Pelosi Sought to Continue Leading House Democratic Caucus
On November 17, 2010, Nancy Pelosi sought to continue leading the House Democratic Caucus as minority leader after the Democrats lost control of the House. She defeated Representative Heath Shuler in the caucus vote.
2010: Pelosi Backs Bill Naming China Currency Manipulator
In 2010, Nancy Pelosi supported a bill that would designate China as a currency manipulator, a move intended to appease exporters.
2010: Pelosi Assessed as Powerful House Speaker
In 2010, Nancy Pelosi was considered the "most powerful House speaker since Sam Rayburn," and her first speakership was assessed favorably by scholars, highlighting the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Some praised Pelosi for occasionally allowing House passage of measures that had majority overall House support.
2010: Instrumental in passing the Affordable Care Act
In 2010, Nancy Pelosi was instrumental in passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. She was a key figure in convincing President Obama to continue pushing for health-care reform.
2010: Republicans Run Anti-Pelosi Advertisements
In 2010, ahead of the House elections, the Republican National Committee used the slogan "Fire Pelosi" after the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Republicans spent $65 million on anti-Pelosi advertisements.
2010: Republican Party Retakes the House
In the 2010 midterm elections, the Republican Party retook the majority in the House, and Nancy Pelosi lost the speakership.
November 2011: Allegations of Insider Trading
In November 2011, 60 Minutes alleged that Nancy Pelosi used information from closed sessions to make money on the stock market, citing her purchases of Visa Inc. stock while a bill limiting credit card fees was in the House. Pelosi denied the allegations.
November 14, 2012: Pelosi Intended to Remain Democratic Leader
On November 14, 2012, Nancy Pelosi announced that she intended to remain Democratic leader.
2012: Pelosi Discussed Her Position on LGBT Rights
In 2012, Nancy Pelosi explained that her stance on LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage, stemmed from her Catholic faith, despite it conflicting with Catholic doctrine defining marriage.
2012: Gun Control Ratings
In 2012, Nancy Pelosi received a 0% rating from Gun Owners of America and a 7% rating from the National Rifle Association of America for her stances on gun control.
2012: Supported STOCK Act
In 2012, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act) and lauded its passing.
2012: Reference to Benghazi attack investigation
In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Nancy Pelosi referenced that Republicans had previously created committees to investigate Planned Parenthood and the 2012 Benghazi attack.
February 2013: Call for Bold Gun Control Measures
In February 2013, Nancy Pelosi called for the "Boldest possible move" on gun control.
2014: Supported the PRISM surveillance program
As of 2014, Nancy Pelosi voiced her support for the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program known as PRISM.
2014: $400 Million Raised
From 2003 to 2014, Pelosi raised more than $400 million in campaign funds.
2014: Pelosi Supports Israel in 2014 Israel-Gaza Conflict
In 2014, Nancy Pelosi voiced her support for Israel during the Israel–Gaza conflict.
July 2015: Pelosi Convinced Obama Will Secure Iran Nuclear Deal
In July 2015, Nancy Pelosi expressed her conviction that President Obama would secure enough votes to pass the Iran nuclear deal. She praised Obama for a "very strong and forceful presentation" supporting the agreement and called the deal "a diplomatic masterpiece".
2015: Pelosi Supports Obama's Cuban Thaw
In 2015, Nancy Pelosi supported President Obama's Cuban Thaw, which was a rapprochement between the U.S. and Cuba's regime. She also visited Havana for meetings with high-level officials.
August 2016: Personal Contact Information Posted Online
In August 2016, Nancy Pelosi said her personal contact information was posted online after a cyberattack, leading to "obscene and sick calls, voice mails and text messages."
November 17, 2016: Tim Ryan Bids to Replace Pelosi
On November 17, 2016, Tim Ryan initiated a bid to replace Nancy Pelosi as House minority leader.
2016: Pelosi on Obama's Memorandum of Understanding with Israel
In 2016, Nancy Pelosi expressed that Democrats take "great pride" in Barack Obama's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israel, which guaranteed $38 billion in defense assistance over a decade.
2016: Pelosi Argues Against Bills Blocking Iran's Access to the Dollar
In 2016, Nancy Pelosi spoke out against two bills that aimed to block Iran's access to the dollar and impose sanctions for its ballistic missile program. She stated that regardless of support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it was universally agreed that Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon, and that the JCPOA was the best way to achieve this goal at the time.
2016: Russian Interference in US Elections
In 2016, Russia interfered in the United States elections, which was the subject of an FBI investigation that was later criticized in a memo prepared by Republican staff under House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes. This memo and the FBI investigation were referenced by Nancy Pelosi in a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan in February 2018.
January 2017: Pelosi Votes Against Resolution Condemning UN Security Council Resolution 2334
In January 2017, Nancy Pelosi voted against a House resolution that would condemn the UN Security Council Resolution 2334. She condemned the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.
March 10, 2017: Indicated Democrats would battle Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act
On March 10, 2017, Nancy Pelosi stated that Democrats would continue fighting Republican attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act but would also consider compromise if Republicans sought support. She expressed support for expanding Health Savings Accounts and emphasized the importance of Medicaid expansion.
June 9, 2017: Comments on Trump's Tweets and Fitness for Office
On June 9, 2017, Nancy Pelosi stated that no one at the White House seemed courageous enough to tell President Donald Trump that his tweets were beneath the dignity of the presidency and that she was worried about his fitness for office, following Comey's testimony.
June 2017: Pelosi's Leadership Called into Question
In June 2017, after Democrats lost four consecutive special elections, Nancy Pelosi's leadership was questioned. Some House Democrats discussed potential new leadership, while Pelosi defended her position and leadership.
August 2017: Pelosi Criticizes Imprisonment of Hong Kong Activists
In August 2017, Nancy Pelosi condemned the imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy activists involved in a protest at the Civic Square in front of the Central Government Complex in Hong Kong, calling the ruling an injustice that should "shock the conscience of the world".
August 2017: Supported removing Confederate monuments from the Capitol Building
In August 2017, during her first tenure as speaker, Nancy Pelosi supported Senator Cory Booker's initiative to remove Confederate monuments and memorials from the Capitol Building.
November 2017: Convening Meetings on Workplace Policies Reform
In November 2017, Nancy Pelosi, after advocating for John Conyers's resignation due to harassment allegations, initiated a series of meetings to strategize reforms for workplace policies, addressing the heightened national focus on sexual harassment. She emphasized Congress's moral obligation to support individuals stepping forward and demonstrate effective leadership in cultivating a respectful and dignified work environment.
December 2017: Called Tax Reform one of the worst bills in US history
In December 2017, Nancy Pelosi criticized the tax reform signed by Trump, calling it "probably one of the worst bills in the history of the United States of America" and arguing it would negatively impact the middle class and increase debt.
2017: Criticized Confederate Artworks in the US Capitol
In 2017, Nancy Pelosi repeatedly criticized the presence of artworks in the United States Capitol that depicted individuals who supported the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
January 2018: Reaction to Trump's State of the Union Address
In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi referred to Trump's 2018 State of the Union Address as a performance without serious policy ideas for collaboration. She also questioned Trump's refusal to implement Russian sanctions.
January 2018: Responded to company statements crediting tax cuts with wage increases and bonuses
In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi responded to company statements crediting the tax cuts with allowing them to raise wages and give bonuses, dismissing the benefits workers received as "crumbs" compared to the benefits corporations got.
February 2018: Pelosi's Letter to Speaker Ryan
In February 2018, Nancy Pelosi addressed a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan concerning the proposed public release of a memo prepared by Republican staff under House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, criticizing the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Pelosi noted warnings from the FBI and the Department of Justice that the memo was inaccurate and its release could compromise national security by revealing federal surveillance methods.
February 2018: Record-Breaking House Speech on DREAMers
In February 2018, Nancy Pelosi delivered the longest House speech on record, utilizing the "magic minute" custom to speak for over eight hours. She recounted stories from DREAMers, individuals brought to the United States as minors by undocumented immigrants, to protest a budget deal that would raise spending caps without addressing the future of DACA recipients facing deportation by the Trump administration.
February 2018: Response to Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting
In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Nancy Pelosi criticized Republicans' "cowering" to the gun lobby and requested action on gun violence, including consideration of legislation expanding background checks and authorizing research on gun violence's public health impact. Pelosi also advocated for the creation of a special committee on gun violence.
March 2018: Pelosi on the Establishment of Israel
In March 2018, Nancy Pelosi stated, "There is no greater political accomplishment in the 20th Century than the establishment of the State of Israel."
March 2018: Pelosi Urges Trump to Focus on China
In March 2018, before the Trump administration took concrete actions against China, Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders urged Trump to focus more on China. She called for real punishments, such as naming China a currency manipulator and preventing China from pressuring U.S. tech companies into surrendering intellectual property rights, advocating for a strong stance against unfair market barriers.
April 2018: Peter Beinart's Article in The Atlantic
In April 2018, Peter Beinart wrote in The Atlantic, characterizing Nancy Pelosi as "the most effective congressional leader of modern times—and, not coincidentally, the most vilified."
May 2018: Pelosi Criticizes Trump's Withdrawal from Iran Nuclear Deal
In May 2018, after President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Nancy Pelosi criticized the decision as an abdication of American leadership, calling it "particularly senseless, disturbing & dangerous".
May 2018: Call for Bipartisan Briefing on FBI Informant
In May 2018, following the White House's invitation of two Republicans, excluding Democrats, to a Department of Justice briefing concerning an FBI informant who had engaged with the Trump campaign, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer jointly addressed a letter to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Wray. Their letter requested a bipartisan "Gang of Eight briefing" involving congressional leadership from both chambers.
June 2018: Visit to Federal Facility and Call for Nielsen's Resignation
In June 2018, Nancy Pelosi visited a federal facility housing migrant children separated from their parents and subsequently called for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.
July 2018: Democrats' goal is to expand coverage
In July 2018, Nancy Pelosi stated that Democrats' goal "has always been to expand coverage and to do so in a way that improves benefits... and we have to address the affordability issue that is so undermined by the Republicans."
August 2018: Call for Duncan D. Hunter's Resignation
In August 2018, Nancy Pelosi urged Duncan D. Hunter to resign from his position following his indictment on charges related to the misuse of at least $250,000 in campaign funds. She described the charges as evidence of a pervasive culture of corruption among Republicans in Washington.
August 2018: Called for further aid and action on climate crisis
In August 2018, after Trump declared an emergency for federal aid in response to the Carr Fire in Northern California, Nancy Pelosi requested further aid and called for urgent action to address the climate crisis.
November 2018: Spoke with Trump About Infrastructure Development
In November 2018, Nancy Pelosi said she discussed infrastructure development with President Trump, noting the potential for bipartisan legislative initiatives to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
November 2018: Stayed as Speaker to protect the Affordable Care Act
In November 2018, after Democrats regained a House majority in the midterm elections, Nancy Pelosi stated her intention to remain as Speaker to protect the Affordable Care Act, emphasizing its importance for the health and financial well-being of American families.
November 2018: Statement After Thousand Oaks Shooting
In November 2018, after the Thousand Oaks shooting, Nancy Pelosi released a statement pledging that gun control would be a priority for House Democrats in the 116th United States Congress.
November 2018: Democrats Gain Control of the House
In November 2018, the Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives, and Nancy Pelosi took office as Speaker.
December 2018: Meeting with Trump and Pence
In December 2018, Nancy Pelosi and Charles E. Schumer met with Donald Trump and Mike Pence to discuss changes to be made when the new Democratic representatives take office in 2019.
2018: Agreement Not to Stay as Speaker Beyond January 2023
In 2018, Nancy Pelosi agreed not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023.
2018: Government Shutdown
In 2018, Nancy Pelosi opposed Trump's attempts to use the federal government shutdown as leverage to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
2018: Comments on potential impeachment of Trump
In November 2018, Nancy Pelosi said that beginning the impeachment process against Trump would not be one of their legislative priorities but that the option could be considered if credible evidence appeared during the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
2018: Democrats Recapture House Majority
In the 2018 elections, the Democratic Party regained a majority in the House of Representatives, securing 41 additional seats. This marked the party's most significant gain in the House since the 1974 elections following Watergate.
January 3, 2019: Pelosi Reelected as Speaker of the House
On January 3, 2019, Nancy Pelosi was reelected as Speaker of the House at the commencement of the 116th Congress. This was after weeks of negotiating with fellow Democrats. In order to win over some holdouts, an agreement was made that would put an expiration date on her tenure where she promised not to stay more than four years in the job.
January 2019: Support for Juan Guaidó in Venezuela
In January 2019, Nancy Pelosi supported President Trump in his decision to back Juan Guaidó during the Venezuelan protests and constitutional crisis.
January 25, 2019: Trump Signs Stopgap Bill to Reopen Government
On January 25, 2019, after his popularity declined due to the government shutdown, President Trump signed a stopgap bill to reopen the government for three weeks without border wall funding, allowing negotiations on an appropriations bill. He reiterated his demand for funding, threatening another shutdown or declaring a national emergency if Congress did not appropriate funds by February 15.
March 2019: Pelosi on the Connection Between Israel and America
In March 2019, Nancy Pelosi stated, "Israel and America are connected now and forever. We will never allow anyone to make Israel a wedge issue."
April 2019: Trump Vows to Defy House Subpoenas
In April 2019, President Trump vowed to defy "all" subpoenas from the House and to refuse to allow administration officials to testify before House committees.
May 1, 2019: Met with Trump and Schumer about infrastructure funding
On May 1, 2019, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer met with President Trump to discuss infrastructure funding.
May 2019: Pelosi Accuses Trump of Obstruction of Justice
In May 2019, Nancy Pelosi described President Trump's interference regarding Don McGahn's records as an obstruction of justice and declared that "Trump is goading us to impeach him." Later in the month, she stated, "we believe that the president of the United States is engaged in a cover-up."
June 5, 2019: Pelosi states she wants to see Trump in prison
On June 5, 2019, during a meeting with senior Democrats about whether the House should launch impeachment proceeding against Trump, Pelosi said, "I don't want to see him impeached, I want to see him in prison."
June 2019: Brent Budowsky's Opinion in The Hill
In June 2019, Brent Budowsky wrote in The Hill that Nancy Pelosi had been "the most important, consequential and effective Speaker since Tip O'Neill" as well as "one of the greatest Speakers who ever served."
July 2019: Focus on Trump-Ukraine Scandal
In July 2019, the House impeachment inquiry focused on efforts by President Trump and administration officials to pressure Ukraine to smear Joe Biden, while withholding U.S. military aid and a White House visit.
September 2019: Pelosi meets with Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong
In September 2019, Nancy Pelosi met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong on Capitol Hill. Chinese media criticized Pelosi for supporting radical activists.
September 2019: Announcement of Formal House Impeachment Inquiry
In September 2019, following revelations of the Trump–Ukraine scandal, Nancy Pelosi announced the beginning of a formal House impeachment inquiry, stating that President Trump's actions had seriously violated the Constitution.
September 29, 2019: Pelosi Announces Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump
On September 29, 2019, Nancy Pelosi declared the launch of an impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
December 5, 2019: Authorization to Draft Articles of Impeachment
On December 5, 2019, following the impeachment inquiry, Nancy Pelosi authorized the Judiciary Committee to begin drafting articles of impeachment against President Trump.
December 2019: First Impeachment of President Donald Trump
In December 2019, during her second speakership, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the first time.
December 18, 2019: House Votes to Impeach Trump
On December 18, 2019, the House voted to impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. Pelosi stated that it was tragic that the president's reckless actions made impeachment necessary.
2019: Called climate change the "existential threat of our time"
In 2019, Nancy Pelosi described climate change as "the existential threat of our time" and advocated for action to address it, supporting new technologies to reduce dependence on foreign oil and mitigate the environmental impacts of fossil fuels.
2019: Spoke in Congress in favor of the Equality Act
In 2019, Nancy Pelosi spoke in Congress supporting the Equality Act and advocating for the end of discrimination against LGBT people, while also opposing Trump's transgender military ban.
January 15, 2020: House Transmits Articles of Impeachment to Senate
On January 15, 2020, the House transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, with Nancy Pelosi naming seven Democratic Representatives, led by Representative Adam Schiff, as the House managers to argue the impeachment case against Trump in the Senate.
January 2020: Paul Kane's Assessment in The Washington Post
In January 2020, on the eve of Trump's first impeachment trial before the U.S. Senate, Washington Post political writer Paul Kane called Nancy Pelosi the most powerful House speaker in at least 25 years, noting that some historians were comparing her influence to that of former speaker Sam Rayburn.
February 4, 2020: Pelosi Tears Up Trump's State of the Union Address
On February 4, 2020, following Trump's State of the Union address, Nancy Pelosi tore up her official copy. She explained her action as a courteous response considering the alternatives, describing the speech as "such a dirty speech." This act drew criticism from Trump and other Republicans.
June 2020: Pushed for removal of Confederate statues from the Capitol
In June 2020, following nationwide protests over George Floyd's murder, Nancy Pelosi advocated for the removal of all statues of Confederates from the Capitol, and on June 18, she ordered the removal of four paintings of former Confederates from the Capitol Speaker's Gallery.
September 2020: Hair Salon Visit Controversy
In early September 2020, footage emerged showing Nancy Pelosi visiting a hair salon in San Francisco, violating regulations that prohibited indoor services at the time. Facing criticism for alleged hypocrisy from Trump and the salon owners, Pelosi described the situation as a "setup," while her stylist and other Democrats defended her.
October 8, 2020: Announcement of Legislation on 25th Amendment Commission
On October 8, 2020, Nancy Pelosi announced legislation being introduced in the House to advance the creation of a commission to allow the use of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution to intervene and remove President Trump from executive duties.
2020: Agreement Not to Stay as Speaker Beyond January 2023
In 2020, Nancy Pelosi agreed not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023.
2020: Preference for defeating Trump in 2020 election
In May 2019, under pressure from an alliance of left-wing Representatives led by Chair of the House Judiciary Committee Jerry Nadler, Pelosi backed an impeachment inquiry. According to multiple sources, rather than impeachment, she wanted to see Trump lose to a Democrat in the 2020 election, following which he could be prosecuted.
January 2021: Second Impeachment of President Donald Trump
In January 2021, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the second time during Nancy Pelosi's second speakership.
April 2021: Criticism for Immigration Stance
In April 2021, House Republicans criticized Nancy Pelosi for stating that immigration under the Biden administration was "on a good path" following a peak in southern border crossings.
May 2021: Smallest House Majority
From April to May 2021 Nancy Pelosi worked with a House majority as small as 6 seats (218–212).
December 2021: Pelosi Announces Reelection Candidacy
In December 2021, Nancy Pelosi announced her candidacy for reelection to the House in 2022. Despite previous agreements in 2018 and 2020 to not remain as speaker beyond January 2023, she had avoided questions about her future otherwise.
2021: Kamala Harris Becomes Vice President
In 2021, Kamala Harris became vice president. Prior to this, Nancy Pelosi held the distinction of being the highest-ranking woman in the presidential line of succession.
2021: Role in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Passage
In 2021, Nancy Pelosi played a key role in facilitating the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
2021: John Boehner's Opinion on Pelosi
In 2021, former Republican speaker John Boehner opined that Nancy Pelosi had been the most powerful House speaker in U.S. history.
August 2, 2022: Pelosi Visits Taiwan
On August 2, 2022, Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. government official in 25 years to visit Taiwan, a trip that heightened tensions between the U.S. and China. During her visit, she met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen and affirmed U.S. Congress's commitment to Taiwan's freedom.
October 2022: Voting Alignment with Joe Biden
As of October 2022, Nancy Pelosi had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time.
November 2022: Opinions on Pelosi's Effectiveness as Speaker
In November 2022, multiple writers and historians shared opinions on Nancy Pelosi's effectiveness as a Speaker, including Chris Cillizza writing that Pelosi was "the most effective speaker ever," Johnathan Bernstein opining for The Washington Post and Bloomberg News that Pelosi was "the greatest speaker in history," and Sarah Ferris of Politico calling Pelosi "a legislative giant regarded as one of the most powerful speakers in modern U.S. history." Historian Lindsay M. Chervinsky wrote for NBC News that Pelosi was "one of the most effective speakers in history".
November 29, 2022: Pelosi Named 'Speaker Emerita'
On November 29, 2022, the Steering and Policy Committee of the House Democratic Caucus named Nancy Pelosi "Speaker Emerita".
2022: Legislative Achievements During 117th Congress
During the 117th Congress in 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (PACT Act) were successfully passed.
2022: Opposition to Overturning of Roe v. Wade
In 2022, Nancy Pelosi opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, describing it as "cruel", "outrageous," and "heart-wrenching".
2022: Pelosi Reelected, Democrats Lose House Majority
In 2022, Nancy Pelosi was reelected to the House; however, the Democratic Party lost its majority. This affected Pelosi's decision to not seek a Democratic leadership post.
2022: Pelosi advises US athletes on Beijing Olympics
In 2022, on the eve of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Nancy Pelosi advised American athletes to avoid actions that might provoke the Chinese government, describing them as "ruthless".
January 3, 2023: End of Pelosi's Second Speakership
On January 3, 2023, Nancy Pelosi's second speakership and her participation in the House Democratic Party leadership concluded at the end of the 117th Congress.
January 2023: End of Speakership
Nancy Pelosi had agreed not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023. She had agreed to this condition in 2018, and again in 2020.
January 28, 2024: Pelosi Suggests Possible Russian Connection to Pro-Palestinian Protesters
On January 28, 2024, Nancy Pelosi suggested that some pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war could be connected to Russia and called on the FBI to investigate the possible connection.
2024: Effort to Pressure Biden to Withdraw Candidacy
Amid concerns about President Biden's reelection prospects in the 2024 presidential election, Nancy Pelosi played a key role in the effort to pressure him to withdraw his candidacy before the Democratic National Convention.
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