Nancy Pelosi Biography

Fast Facts

• Became the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007, making her the highest-ranking female politician in U․S․ history
• Because she represents a safe voting district, she donates much of the campaign money she receives to other congressional candidates, totaling more than $1 million during the 2002 election cycle
• Was instrumental in the creation of the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program and has supported the increase of funding for programs like the Ryan White CARE Act and the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative
• Graduated from Trinity College with a degree in political science in 1962
• Comes from a family of politicians including her father and brother, both of whom served as the Mayor of Baltimore
• Was an intern for Senator Daniel Brewster before moving to San Francisco, where she was first elected to the Democratic National Committee in 1976
• Quote: "[on women in Congress] "When I ran for leadership ․․․ The men said, 'Who said she could run?' ․․․ They said to me: 'Why don't you just tell us the things you want changed, and we'll do them․' I thought: I don't think so!""
• Some of the major causes she has been involved in are healthcare reform, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the repealing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell․"
• Was appointed the Democratic Leader of the U․S․ House of Representatives in 2010