Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi: Congress as a Cornerstone of American Democracy
Nancy Pelosi, Susan Page (moderator)
The founders called Congress the “first among equals,” signifying its importance as a democratic institution. Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi reflects on the important role Congress plays in meeting Americans’ needs, with USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page. What steps must be taken to accomplish that goal and invigorate trust among citizens?
This event is part of an ongoing series from the Karsh Institute of Democracy featuring conversations with leaders from both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill. Previous speakers in the series include former Representative Abigail Spanberger (D), former Representative Will Hurd (R), Representative Chip Roy (R), and Senator John Cornyn (R).
Speakers
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Representative for California’s 11th Congressional District
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Representative for California’s 11th Congressional District
Nancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and made history in 2007 as the first woman to hold the position. She again served as Speaker beginning in 2019, becoming the first person in more than six decades to regain the role. Over her career, Pelosi led House Democrats for 20 years and played a central role in shaping major legislative achievements, including the Affordable Care Act, the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. In recognition of her leadership, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
Representing San Francisco in Congress for more than three decades, Pelosi currently serves as Speaker Emerita. Throughout her career, she has been a leading advocate for democratic institutions, the rule of law, economic opportunity, health care access, climate action, and civil rights. She is widely regarded as one of the most consequential legislative leaders in modern American history.
Website: https://pelosi.house.gov/biography
Susan Page (moderator)
Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief, USA Today
Susan Page (moderator)
Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief, USA Today
Susan Page is the Washington, D.C., bureau chief at USA TODAY, where she writes about the White House and national politics. She is also the best-selling author of several books, including Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power; The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters; and The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty. Her latest book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand that Shaped History, is being published by Harper in April 2026.
In 2024, Page covered her 12th presidential election and is now covering her eighth White House administration. She has reported from six continents and interviewed the past 10 presidents (three after they left office). She also has served as president of the White House Correspondents Association and of the Gridiron Club and Foundation, the oldest association of journalists in Washington, D.C.
Website: https://www.usatoday.com/staff/2646358001/susan-page/