“The President and I have disagreed often and forcefully over the years, but I have seen firsthand the depth and intensity of her commitment to public service,” he said in a statement released Thursday night.
“There is no question that the impact of Speaker Pelosi’s subsequent and groundbreaking career will be long-lasting,” he said.
McConnell and Pelosi led their respective chambers in the 116th Congress, which ran from 2019 to 2020 and saw the federal government shut down over a disagreement between then-President Trump and Democratic leaders over building a wall along the US border -Mexico.
They worked together in March 2020 to pass the $2 trillion CARES Act, which provided unemployment benefits, small business support, tax relief, and state and local aid in the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘#RIPTwitter’ trends as users await possible site collapse Five suggestions as the Pelosi era ends
McConnell issued his statement hours after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Calif.) skipped Pelosi’s speech on the floor of the House announcing her intention to step down as leader of the House Democratic caucus. .
Pelosi will step down from her leadership post but will remain in Congress for now as a mentor to the incoming House Minority Leader, who is expected to be Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y.).
House Democrats will vote Nov. 30 on a new leadership team.
