Unapologetic Pelosi vows partnership with GOP, and a bit of fight

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Wednesday ended her historic run as House Speaker with vows to work with Republicans in the new Congress — but without apology for the accomplishments of the last.

Passing the gavel to a tearful John Boehner (R-Ohio), Pelosi — the first woman Speaker in U.S. history — promised Democrats will be “a willing partner” to Republican efforts to tackle the employment crisis and rein in federal deficits.

{mosads}But she also took a bow for Democrats’ legislative accomplishments under her tenure, including items such as the healthcare reform against which Republicans have battled fervently.

“Our most important job is to fight for American jobs,” Pelosi said, “and so Democrats will judge what comes before Congress — from either side of the aisle — on whether it creates jobs, strengthens our middle class and reduces the deficit, not burdening future generations.

“When the new Speaker of the House, John Boehner, and the new Republican majority … come forward with solutions that address these American challenges, you will find us a willing partner.”

In Boehner, Pelosi said, the House will get “a man of conviction, a public servant of resolve and a legislative leader of skill.”

“Speaker Boehner is a leader who has earned the confidence of his conference and the respect of his colleagues in the House,” she said. “He is a man of faith: faith in God, faith in his country and faith in his family.”

But Pelosi, who will remain leader of the Democratic minority, was also quick to note the Democrats’ legislative successes since the party took control of Congress in 2007. Included were several controversial laws — including Wall Street reform and the healthcare overhaul — that Republican critics used to rally their base in November’s midterm elections.

Some Democrats have questioned the logic of returning Pelosi to the leadership spot in light of the party’s trouncing at the polls. But Pelosi on Wednesday said her record speaks for itself.

“As I now prepare to hand over the gavel, I know one thing above all else,” she said. “Thanks to you, we have stood for those children and for their families — for their health, their education, the safety of the air they breathe, the water they drink and the food they eat.”