Pelosi: On Recommendation of Congressman Howard Berman as Chair of House Foreign Affairs Committee

The full Democratic Caucus is expected to vote next week on the nomination. 'Howard Berman comes to the Chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs Committee at a critical juncture in history, which is why his colleagues chose to entrust a leader of his knowledge and experience,' Speaker Pelosi said. 'Congressman Berman brings an enormous intellectual capacity to his new duties and will continue to be an indispensable resource for the Democratic Caucus on issues ranging from human rights and trade to weapons proliferation and the war in Iraq.  While the Congress and indeed the world will miss Chairman Tom Lantos, I know Congressman Berman will lead the Committee with distinction.'

Said Congressman Berman: 'I'm honored to have the support of Speaker Pelosi and the Steering Committee. While I can never reproduce the unique historical perspective and natural eloquence that Chairman Lantos brought to this position, I'll work as hard as I can to repair the damage done to America's standing in the world over the past seven years by this Administration.  My highest priority will be to reassert the role of Congress in developing a foreign policy that reflects our national interests and is true to our values.'