« Blog for Choice 2007! | Main | Anti-choice legislation in the Indiana Senate »
January 12, 2007
This is Not the Same Washington – Celebrating New Congressional Energy
By NARAL Pro-Choice America President Nancy Keenan
I wanted to take a moment to share with you the energy and excitement coursing through D.C. these days as pro-choice leaders kick off the 110th Congress. I had the pleasure of spending last week on the Hill welcoming new members and saying hello to old friends. It was thrilling to join my pro-choice colleagues in celebrating our 23 new pro-choice House members and 3 new pro-choice Senators.
Speaker Pelosi’s inauguration was a momentous and historic occasion and I began my week at her "Women’s Tea" – in honor of the late Ann Richards. I had a chance to celebrate with dozens of pro-choice women, from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and experiences.
It was clear my next stop was the place to be when I saw a line to enter that extended out the door and onto the sidewalk! I was at a reception for my good Montana friend – Sen. Jon Tester – a man I look forward to working with over the next six years and beyond!
Later, I stopped by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s (MD-05) office. How wonderful to be one of the first to congratulate this longtime pro-choice champion, who is a true friend to NARAL Pro-Choice America, on his new leadership position!
Some other highlights included visiting pro-choice pick-ups Rep. Patrick Murphy (PA-08) – who defeated anti-choice incumbent Mike Fitzpatrick – and Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) – who defeated an anti-choice candidate in a race to fill an open seat formerly held by anti-choice Jim Nussle . I also stopped by to visit pro-choice Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) who made it a point of mentioning how much he appreciated NARAL Pro-Choice America’s advice and support – on many fronts - during his campaign!
As I mentioned to all these pro-choice leaders, the best part of the experience was seeing all of the people in Washington, D.C. – people from their districts coming here to celebrate a new direction for the country! There were veterans everywhere, as well as children, firefighters, retirees, mothers and fathers – all there to support their newly elected pro-choice lawmakers in Congress. Even our cab driver remarked that he hadn’t seen so many people on the Hill since Bill Clinton’s inauguration! There were literally people spilling out of every building and office.
And, of course, I saw many of my friends and allies in the progressive movement: Joe Solmonese from the Human Rights Campaign, Nan Aron from Alliance for Justice, Cecile Richards from Planned Parenthood, and other representatives from other national and local progressive organizations.
As we look to a brighter future in the 110th Congress, we’re excited about the chance to work with these new pro-choice leaders on the Hill to protect a woman’s right to choose – starting with the upcoming Roe v. Wade anniversary, the release of our 16th edition of Who Decides?, our continued work on Prevention First, and of course the 2008 presidential election. Thank you for all your help and support!
Posted by Bush v. Choice at January 12, 2007 5:14 PM