Pelosi: 'Democrats Will Not Be Silenced; We Will Not Be Intimidated by the Republicans' Arrogant..

U.S. NewsWire ^ | 5/18/2005

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Pelosi: 'Democrats Will Not Be Silenced; We Will Not Be Intimidated by the Republicans' Arrogant Power Plays'

5/18/2005 4:57:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Brendan Daly or Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616, both of the House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

WASHINGTON, May 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and nearly 100 House and Senate Democrats today at a unity event on the steps of the United States Senate to protest Republicans' abuse of power. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"Thank you very much, Leader Reid. I know that I speak for all of my colleagues when I say, 'Thank you Mr. Leader, for helping to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'

"We come here to join you in this fight. We have been with you since day one because, Senator Reid, as you said in your opening remarks, 'This is the hour of decision for this nation's Senate. It is a historic moment, as well for our country and our country's future.'

"While Democrats are working on an agenda that focuses on the real needs of American families, the Republican Party is busy undermining democracy here at home. This is about our nation's future.

"What the Republicans are doing with their attempt to end the filibuster is to try to silence the minority and break the rules. They are using any means to justify their extreme agenda, even if it violates the rules and destroys more than 200 years of Constitutional checks and balances - not to mention fundamental decency and trust.

"Democrats stand united against the Republicans' abuse of power. We will not let them undermine one of the tenets of democracy - the rights of the minority. And make no mistake: that is what the Republicans are

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