Pelosi Floor Remarks in Honor of the Late First Lady Barbara Bush

Leader Pelosi. Mr. Speaker, thank you, and I thank my colleagues.

Last night was a sad day for America. Today, our nation mourns the passing of a beloved American, a bold advocate for family, for literacy, and a devoted wife and mother, First Lady Barbara Bush.

Mrs. Bush has brought dignity, civility and spirit to everything she did. Her strength of character, of her principles, of her faith are a gift to our nation, a great gift to our nation.

Barbara Bush was a woman of exceptional grace, with an unmatched spirit – again, that spirit – and talent and skill for bringing people together. She was not only respected, but adored, by so many across our nation.

Barbara Bush leaves a living legacy in the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and a deep spirit of volunteerism she championed on behalf of children and families.

All who knew Mrs. Bush saw her immense love and pride for her family. She was a beloved matriarch for her family and a matriarch for America. And she always put family first.

We hope that it's a comfort to President Bush, 73 years of marriage. Wow. Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To her children, including President George W. Bush – only one other woman, apart from Abigail Adams, who was wife and mother of a President. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Our prayers go to the entire Bush Family. We want them to know that so many share in their grief, pray for them at this sad time and are grateful to them for sharing Barbara Bush with the nation.

I yield back.