Ask Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi Susan Walsh / AP

An eleven-term Congresswoman for California and the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi is one of the Democratic Party's most outspoken members. Her first book, Know Your Own Power: A Message to America's Daughters, is out July 29. Use the form below to submit your questions for Nancy Pelosi, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME.

NOTE: Submitted questions may be edited for length or clarity. Your first name, last name, and location are required and may be published along with your question in print and online. Your information will not be used for any other purpose.

314 Questions >>

Submit your question to Ask Nancy Pelosi (314 other responses).

Posted by Fritz Kraly in Onalaska:
Why do you insist on allowing George W. Bush to continue violating the Constitution without being held accountable?
Posted by John Norton in Chandler, AZ:
WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING BY NOT GOING FORWARD WITH IMPEACHMENT OF BUSH? HUH?!?!

YOUR ACTIONS ARE AS CRIMINAL AS HIS.

I WAS GOING TO VOTE DEMOCRATIC THIS ELECTION, BUT YOU'VE CONVINCED ME BY YOUR ACTIONS THAT YOU AND YOUR ILK ARE NOT WORTH MY VOTE.
Posted by Nathan Duersch in Spanish Fork, UT:
Ms. Pelosi,

During a recent CNN interview, you stated that you felt the reason for the historically low Congressional approval rate had everything to do with the war in Iraq and Congress's inability to end that war.

I guess my question to you would be, "Have you not filled your gas tank lately?" It is abundantly clear that the economy is now center stage in the minds of Americans. What concrete plans do you have as Speaker of the House to help right our economic ship?
Posted by Robert Brown in Mancos:
Elected officials are supposed to be about SERVICE; hence, NOT a career path. When will there FINALLY be term limit applied to government as, I believe, was intended by the founders?
Posted by Bruce Gagnon in Bath, Maine:
How can we witness the horrible consequences of the Bush administration lies about Iraq, now witnessing the virtual collapse of the American economy as we waste $12 billion a month on the occupation of Iraq, and you continue to say impeachment is off the table (my question mark key is broken)

What good is a constitution if we do not defend it (question mark)

Thank you.
Posted by Donna in NJ:
Ms. Pelosi,

Which political figures and events have had the greatest influence on you?
Posted by mack rob in Dallas, Texas:
Mrs. Pelosi,

I don't pretend to understand what you are thinking when you show your anger towards our President. He has earned my respect, even though I agree that the last few years have not been as good as any American has wanted. I am appalled that you, as our global representative, have shown terrible judgement and should be removed as SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. Both parties are under your leadership and you are a complete failure. The "Bless his heart", comments were a sign you are an incompetent leader. I have said for the last 16 years that the citizens of this great country have been robbed of solid candidates. It is a sign of the times that you have bubbled to the top, just like these sorry candidates. I am embarrassed to have to choose between losers from both parties. You have a chance to do something great with the time you are given. But, you have chosen to be partisian and with a loser like Harry Reid at your side, how can you be an effective leader. The American Citizen has a right to better representation than what you have provided. You, Nancy Pelosi, are to blame for much of the quagmire which you choose to blame on others. With control of the House, why do you want to lose this window of opportunity of re-entry? Instead you have wasted valuable time and look at how this country has gone under your leadership. You are a whiner just like all the other entitlement elitists. You feel you have the minorities to keep your back, but I assure you All will throw you to the dogs in the short future. My question is this," Why have you chosen to battle in the House and instead work together to get out of the mess we are in, such as high gas prices, dropping dollar, medicare, medicine, and on and on. Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way. Thank you for your consideration.
Posted by David Swanson in Charlottesville VA:
Please name one thing that you believe WOULD constitute an impeachable offense.
Posted by Robert Braam in Manhattan, IL.:
It is the Constitutional responsibility of Congress to balance the desires of the executive by controlling national funding. Given that we know the Bush administration lied us into war, given that the situation as proved so devastating to both the occupied and the occupier, and given that Americans and the Iraqis, for years now, want us to end the occupation, why have you failed to fulfill your sworn Constitutional duty to end the funding that perpetuates this fiasco?
Posted by Mark Hamilton in san diego:
Miss Pelosi,
It does not matter what you think about impeachment, We The People ARe demanding you do your job or step down initially we thought you had the balls for the job, now we know youdo not, You are third in line to the constitution and 3rd most important in the nation it is time you ask the tough questions, this sets a precedent for others who do wrong, . Can we get them out of office NO, But does it go down on the record as treason Yes, and it will for you too , if you do not get off your ass, there are questions about 911, oil traders ICE international commodities exchange, and Iraq, Iran, Chertoffs new claims of a pending strike and on and on these guys have stole and sold our country with Enron techniques of corporate chronieism, Aspartame is on the market , killing thousands sanctioned by the FDA Who first and for 16 years denied its approval, then passed it see the web site sweetpoison.com for mass extermination news, and my question, Are you part of the club of ROME or the Trilateral commission?, what the hell is going on with our great country??
Posted by Raja Molli in San Jose:
Are democrats committed towards a universal healthcare for all? What are your thoughts on this? Is there any possibility of this becoming a reality?
Posted by STEPHEN OBAJAJA in LAGOS, NIGERIA:
I like Nancy Pelosi to tell us how America's foreign policy in Africa has changed since she was first elected Congresswoman and now, eleven terms after, that She is speaker of the house. How much of those policies did she shape and how.
Posted by Mark Hamilton in san diego:
Have you or your family ever been threatened with harm since you took the speaker position , and if you were would it sway your vote or positions?
Posted by larry smith in greensboro:
dear speaker pelosi: in my opinion political parties have become counterproductive to our form of democracy . with the high tech communication systems now available elections could be debated and votes tallied? do you think this will happen in your lifetime ?
Posted by Theresa Cowman in Star Prairie:
Nancy Pelosi:

I am in total agreement with Mack Rob in Dallas, TX. I for the life of me do not understand how you were elected into this position. You have failed our country miserably. DRILL, DRILL, DRILL! Start working for the people of our country - that's your job.

I thank God daily that George Bush has been our president - we have not had an attack on our soil since 9/11. Thank you President Bush!

And if you haven't been listening to certain news radio programs lately, there were WMD's recently found in Iraq. Amazing main stream media doesn't report on that!
Posted by Dave Bruinsma in Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Ms. Pelosi,

I read your comments about how Congress's record 70% disapproval rate is because of the War in Iraq and how this is President Bush's fault. Then how is this all the President's fault when gas in Michigan was around 2.16 a gal when Democrats took control of Congress yet today I am paying 4.25 a gal? Most Americans are mad over Oil prices and worthless meetings with Oil Executives instead of Congress doing something. What are you and your going to do to help lower gas prices without taking oil from the SPR?
Posted by Dan in Winston Salem, nc:
When will you rally your team together and put specific action plans in place to lessen our dependency for foreign oil in the United States.
Posted by Kathy Carlin in Redding, CA:
When are you going to put impeachment back "on the table". What is wrtong with you/ What stops you from doing what is right is the problem with our political situation today. Neither Democrats nor Republicans care about the will of the Americah people or doing what is right-you only care about power and trying to keep your power. Our government is a shameless and to say disapponting would be an understatement.

You have no idea what the American people are going thru right now. At least Bernie Sanders dared to ask and look at thye response. I hope at some point we, the people, rise up against you who are ruining this country and the lives of American peoiple.

Shame on all of you.
Posted by Scott C Knies in Saint Francis ,MN:
I find it absurd for you, year after year, to blame our failures as a Country on one single individual. We are a Republic of many, if one fails we all fail. Why do you consistanly point out the wrongs of our President but make no mention of your own inept actions to run an effecient Congress? Please, do something worth while for us "we the people"......please.
Posted by Tom Gann in Tulsa OK:
Madame Pelosi,

Why are you and the Democrats so anti - American?

Oil is our economy at this time and you and the Democrats could pass policy to aliviate the current situation by drilling while bringing cleaner technologies on line for the future.
I just do not know why you would want the American People to be subjected to this when it is with in your power to get more oil to the market by allowing more drilling.
Posted by Kathy Carlin in Redding, CA:
Sorry about typos-was typing in the dark. Something is happening in this country and maybe we, the people, are starting to wake up to the sham we call Congress and the Executive Branch.
Posted by John Lynn in Santa Barbara, CA:
1. What else would you require the President to have done that would put impeachment "on the table"?

2. While you claim impeachment would be "divisive," how is avoiding divisiveness a higher priority than preserving our Constitution by acting on Dennis Kucinich's impeachment resolutions?

3. How can you responsibly put impeachment "off the table" and continue to do so even as more and more evidence of the President's criminality is amassed each day?

These questions are not new. But you have not supplied answers that have been responsive. While the vagueness and blandness of your responses to them to date may serve someone's agenda, I fail to see how they serve that of the citizens of this nation. I see our Constitution in grave peril while , you, evidently, see something even more important at risk. Millions of people in this Nation (if not the world) would like to know: what is it that you see?
Posted by Cindy Allen in San Jose:
Why does it seem that you bow down to Bush? Why not hold Bush and his administration accountable for all the crimes they have committed? Why are you letting him get away with the Executive privileges to cover his crimes? For all the blank kissing on your part to this Administration, you WILL not get my vote when you are up for re-election. Why is the President above the Law and if us Americans even did half of what Bush and cronnies have we would be in jail for life?
Posted by JIM TILLMAN in LOXAHATCHEE:
WILL YOU STEP DOWN AS THE DEM. LEADER
Posted by Cindy Allen in San Jose:
Why have you Let more American Kids die in a war that was fabricated in the Bush white house? No WMD, No Uranium, No mobile labs, no Osama Bin Laden connection, no threat to the USA. Why have you not held Bush accountable for a war that should never have been. Now in Afghanistan, where the terrorist that had direct involvement with the 9-11 tragedy are free to run. We already can tell Bush is not a multitasker, hell his head is in the clouds for he can not see what is happening in America. Billions of our Tax dollars are being poured into Iraq and not America, Why? Send our American soldiers to fight the WAR we all supporter in Afghanistan, where Osama Bin Laden are.
Posted by John Norton in Chandler, AZ:
The only plausible explanation for Pelosi taking impeachment "off the table" is that somewhere, somebody has "something" lurid on her. It could, perhaps, be a cigar or a stained dress or pictures or a recording...or...
.
"You know, God bless her, bless her heart..." Maybe she can do something right!
Posted by Wilber Auernheimer in North Kansas City , MO 64116:
Yesterdays speech and actions were good -- But don't go far enough Why don't you support the drilling for oil whereever it is??
Open up Drilling Off-shore, Shale deposits, and Alaska! or any where there Oil.
.

Thank You Wilber
Posted by Kyle Victor Stich in Chicago:
Whether accurate or not, the new Democratic Congress is perceived by the public to have accomplished almost nothing. Allegations of incompetence are bogging down the reformist momentum this nation possessed when we revoked the control the Republicans had over both the House and the Senate. What can you do to counter this interpretation and so restore the public's faith in the Democratic Party in time for the next election.
Posted by Steve Featherstone in charlotte, nc:
congresswoman pelosi,

What if you, and your fellow members of congress had tried to help Pres . Bush through the past 8 years, instead of trying to ruin his Presidency? Pres. Bush told the whole nation in front of you and your members 8 years ago that we needed to be self sufficient from the countries that we import oil from. Pres. Bush told you that we needed to drill in Alaska, and offshore to be self reliant. This could have been accomplished with little to no damage to land and animals. Pres. Bush is too good of a man to say to the nation that "I told them so, 8 years ago". Pres. Bush has his faults, no one is perfect, but if you had worked with him and tried to help, instead of hinder, this country would be in a different situation than it is now. So you, and your democrat friends and some, yes some, republicans are the reason we are where we are today concerning the oil, gas, etc. crisis. Do you speak what you feel or are other people telling you what to say?
Posted by Jim Bouder in Baltimore:
What secrets/illegal activities are you hiding that impeaching Bush/Cheney would reveal?

Why in the world would anybody want to re-vote for you after you broke your constitutional vow to protect us from all enemies foreign AND DOMESTIC?

Why should you not be removed from office right now for violating the trust of the nation?

You disgust me for being from the same city!
Posted by Cindy Allen in San Jose:
Why have you Let more American Kids die in a war that was fabricated in the Bush white house? No WMD, No Uranium, No mobile labs, no Osama Bin Laden connection, no threat to the USA. Why have you not held Bush accountable for a war that should never have been. Now in Afghanistan, where the terrorist that had direct involvement with the 9-11 tragedy are free to run and are getting stronger. We already can tell Bush is not a multitasker, hell his head is in the clouds for he can not see what is happening in America. Billions of our Tax dollars are being poured into Iraq and not America, Why? Send our American soldiers to fight the WAR we all supporter in Afghanistan, where Osama Bin Laden is. And maybe you can get your buddy Bush to clarify his Televised statement that Abortion is killing our elderly one of his many public crazy statements. This answer should be interesting.
Posted by Michelle Herman in Edmonds, WA:
What is your message for today's youth, like me, who would like to become the political leaders of tomorrow?
Posted by Paul Sherman in Tucson:
Why won't you Uphold YOUR Oath to Defend the Constitution, from Enemies BOTH Foreign, AND DOMESTIC??? That is your JOB!!!!
IMPEACH NOW!!!!!
Posted by Greg Scott in Denver:
Mrs. Pelosi,

You have led the Congress to an approval rating far below that of the most unpopular Presidents of all-time and you make the excuse that Iraq is to blame. When are our leaders, including yourself, going to stop making excuses and start leading?
Posted by Ralph Heifner in Indianapolis, IN:
Dear Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi,

Without your comments being totally preditable and a retelling of earlier democratic party statements you are viewed by the general population as strongly biased in everything you say. There is certainly no leadership exampled by following. Basically what Obama has going for him and McCain as well is they are leaders. Hillary is not a good leader, Kerry is not a leader, and Gore is not a leader and is an embarrassment to the great State of Tennessee. Kerry, Bill Clinton, and Gore are phoney and I hope you will be the party leader we need to stand with the "Country" in a positive effort to improve the Nation. Of course you can continue to belittle the office of and the President of the United States in time of war if that is where your heart is. I am sure Gore will keep up his retoric only ; action never position. You know he is an energy hog that has advise for others and not intended for himself. It was viewed widely that when the Hillary money told you how to dance that you thanked them and quietly followed their music

Best wishes, Health, and Happiness
Sincerely,

Ralph Heifner
Posted by Andrew Lyons in Atlanta:
I am currently reading The Prosecution of George W. Bush For Murder by Vincent Bugliosi, probably one of the best prosecuting attorneys of our time. He certainly lays out a convincing case of the lies of George W. Bush causing the deaths of thousands of Americans and Iraqis and the suffering of many tens of thousands more. Why have you taken impeachment of Bush and Cheney off the table? Personally I think they should not only be impeached but possibly do some serious time in prison.
Posted by Donald Jacobs in West Columbia:
Why is it that the news media has never mentioned that it's American policy to use foreign oil first, and the quote that went with it was, " The country that has the energy has the power". At this same time many pumps were shut down, and we haven't built any refineries since than either. Is it only the little guy that has to salute the flag and say the pledge, and mean it, which I don't think our represenatives do. Their inaction is endangering our American future. Can we see if they have the guts to scrap their failing ideas and think of our country for a change.
Posted by Don in kissimmee:
Why are you such a negitave person ,,,, so much hate and anger. Always finger pointing . Is this all we get for the taxpayers $$ ?? You really haven't accomplished squat. I have 3 daughters and use you as an example of what NOT TO BE !
You should be ashamed of yourself with your obsession of our president . You energy should be better spent on the problem solving.
YOU SUCK you angry old lady !
Posted by William M. Lonergan in Medford, MA:
Dear Speaker Pelosi:

How is Congress doing on addressing oil speculators who are driving the price up as much as 30%?

Is it true that Congress will be able to curtail speculators who live outside the US?

How's Congress doing on the baseball steroid scandal? Boy, that's an important topic for Congress to hold hearings about!

Any chance that we will start drilling in the Alaska area and other areas for oil? Oh, I forgot...it would take 10 years for the oil to reach the US consumer. But isn't that what the Democratic Congress said 10 years ago?
Posted by Charles Helm in Atlanta:
Speaker Pelosi,
You say that President Bush is a failure and has allowed the recent gas price rises because he is in cahoots with oilmen. How do you explain that the sharpest increase in oil prices have occurred after the Democrats took control of Congress? Maybe it's their fault? You seem to want the United States to do everything your way or you will use your power to block attempts at legislation that you don't agree with. How about growing up and working with Congress instead of against them?
Remember, you are supposed to represent the people, not act like a queen.
Posted by norman p. poire in scottsdale, AZ:
Does it matter at all to you that by taking impeachment off the table you have elevated the presidency to an emperorship and invited future occupants of the White House to once again run roughshod over the US Constitution, thumb their noses at the rule of law, and make a mockery of Congress? We elected Democrats to hold Bush & Cheney accountable. Your failure to do so is why you and most of your colleagues are held in such low esteem.
Posted by Michael Limberg in Canton, Ga:
When the Democrats took control of the House, didn't you comment on making things better?

How has the USA inproved since the House has been ran by Democrats and how much better off are oil prices today then they were before you took over the House?
Posted by Jason Pompilio in Fort Thomas, KY:
Why hasn't Congress accomplished ANYTHING since you became the Speaker of the House? Why won't you allow us to drill for oil? It is only common sense that drilling will lower gas prices. Stop making excuses and do something good for us.
Posted by Martha Lynn in Llano:
What is being done to fix our health care system?
So many people I have meet would love to quit their jobs and start a small business but can't because of the cost of health care or they
have a pre-existing condition and fear they can not get health insurance. If we had universal health care, you would see new businesses and less bankruptcies. I am self employed and watch the cost of my health insurance go up 20% every year. This is for $5000.00 deductable!
Congress has to do something!
Posted by Robert L. Albanys in Boston:
Hon. Nancy Pelosi:

Have you read "THE PROSECUTION OF GEORGE BUSH FOR MURDER" by Vincent Bugliosi?

http://www.prosecutionofbush.com/video.php

How can you rationalize not holding Bush, Cheney, et al, accountable?

Please confess if you are "in bed" with them.

Please respond and explain to US citizens and the world.
Posted by Ittriss J. Jenkins in Charleston SC:
What are the top 5 issues that you would like to see President Obama address first?
Posted by Patrick Banis in Fort Worth:
Assuming that the Democratic party is able to push a national health care plan and not raise taxes, how do you propose that we balance the budget?
Posted by LTC Eugene R Wood Jr USA Ret in McLean, Fairfax, Virginia:
Dear MS Pelosi, To settle a a serious issue, when are you law makers going to cancel the raid on our life time tax deposits to Social Security which is being replaced by worthless notes for years?
Posted by Ron Erke in Mansfield, Texas:
First congresses approval numbers are so low because you guys are failures, just as much as the President. It has nothing to do with the Iraq war, it's your incompetence.
My question is in regards to soaring energy prices, why not do it all? More Nuclear, More Solar, More Wind, More Geothermal, More Drilling for domestic oil?
This is both an economic and national security issue yet you have chosen to do nothing.
Posted by Franklin Adams in Columbus, GA:
Why can't we deman that Pres. Bush open our oil reserves. After all he wokr's for us!!!!!!!!!!

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