Pelosi Statement on Congresswoman Darlene Hooley's Decision Not to Seek Re-Election

February 7, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on Congresswoman Darlene Hooley of Oregon, who announced today that she would not seek re-election this year:

'Darlene Hooley has served the people of Oregon with great distinction and will be missed by all of us in Congress.

'Congresswoman Hooley first came to politics as a mother motivated to effect change for children. Over her three decades of public service, she has always maintained that perspective, knowing it is our fundamental responsibility to make our nation stronger for generations to come.

'She is a leader on military issues, a longstanding advocate for the Oregon National Guard and our nation's veterans, working to ensure our brave men and women in uniform receive the benefits they have earned and deserve. She is also a strong leader in the fight to protect victims of identity theft and to stop the scourge of methamphetamines.

'Congresswoman Hooley has spent more than 30 years in public service, and the people ofOregon's 5th district have always been at the center of her work. I salute Congresswoman Hooley for her outstanding leadership and thank her for her friendship.'