Pelosi to National Association of Women Judges: 'You are Truly Changing the Face of Justice in America'

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke at the fourth annual meeting of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) this morning in the Capitol.  Below are the Speaker's remarks as prepared:

"Thank you, Judge [La Tia] Martin, for that kind introduction, and for the efforts that have been at the center of your presidency of NAWJ: encouraging young women at every educational level to pursue careers in law.

"I would also like to recognize Judge Juanita Bing Newton, your meeting chair, and welcome you all back to Capitol Hill for the fourth time in the 40th year of your organization.

"I also want to thank the bipartisan co-chairs of Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Congresswoman Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, for their outstanding leadership on women's issues and for helping to organize today's event.

"Because of the efforts of the NAWJ, there are more young women in law school, more women lawyers, and more women judges than at any time in American history.  You are truly changing the face of justice in America.

"I would like to recognize Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues for the work she is doing at the State Department to combat violence and that all of you are doing to combat domestic violence in the United States.  As we mark the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, Congress will remain committed to providing funding to prevent violence against women.

"Tina Tchen of the White House Council for Women and Girls is our partner in all of Congress's efforts on behalf of women.

"And I would like to acknowledge all of you.  The judiciary - at all levels - serves as guardian of our Constitution, our individual rights, the rule of law, and is a model to the rest of the world.  Thank you for all that you do keep our nation and its fundamental values strong.

"In keeping with America's fundamental values, I am so proud to see the nation's highest court reflect the diversity of America with the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

"It is appropriate that the National Association of Women Judges joined President Obama at the White House for the historic moment when he nominated Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.  This is a moment you helped to ensure.

"Judge Sotomayor's life story is a testament to the American values of equality, opportunity, and justice.  Her outstanding intellectual achievements make her one of the most qualified nominees in many years.

"And hasn't she just excelled in her hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee?  I know she will make an outstanding Supreme Court Justice for many years to come.

"As the NAWJ has been working to ensure fairness and gender equality in American courts, I have committed that in this Congress, we will put women and children first.

"One of the first bills Congress passed, and the very first bill President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, so that women who are victims of pay discrimination get their day in court.

"We also passed the Paycheck Fairness Act which takes affirmative steps to ensure that women earn what men earn for doing the same job - and we hope the Senate will pass this bill as well.

"But nothing is more essential to equality and opportunity for all Americans than passing health care reform. Yesterday was a happy day for because we introduced historic and transformative legislation that will benefit all Americans - America's Affordable Health Choices Act. It is a health insurance act for the great middle class of America.

"Over the coming weeks, Congress will continue working with President Obama to make health care reform work for middle-class Americans. This bill is a starting point and a path to success. To lower costs to consumers and businesses, to give greater choice to Americans, including keeping your doctor or plan if you like them, better quality of care putting doctors, not insurance companies back in charge, and to provide stability and peace of mind that you cannot be denied care or coverage for a pre-existing condition.

"You have come to Capitol Hill at an historic time - both as the Sotomayor hearings happen on the other side of the Capitol and as both the House and the Senate work to pass historic and transformative health care reform.

"I thank you all for what you are doing every day to promote justice -from the bench and in helping our judicial leaders reflect the diversity of America."