Nancy Pelosi Becomes House Speaker: Jan 4, 2007!

Exactly 7 years ago today, Nancy Pelosi was elected as the first female Speaker of the United States House of Representatives! The Speaker of the House is in charge of moderating debate, making rulings and more in the House of Representatives.

Pelosi's political career began early in her life. When she was just 20, she attended president John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

She earned her B.A. in political science and interned for Maryland senator, Daniel Brewster, as well as the future House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer!

From there, she became a politician herself. She was elected as a Democratic National Committee member in 1976.

She held a number of political positions before she became Democratic Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. She has held the title ever since!

Finally, on January 4, 2007, Nancy Pelosi was elected as the first female Speaker of the House in U.S. history. She won the election by 233 votes to 202, becoming the 60th Speaker of the House of Representatives.

"This is an historic moment, for the Congress, and for the women of this country," Pelosi said when she was elected. "It is a moment for which we have waited more than 200 years."

Pelosi held the position until 2011, becoming the highest-ranking female politician in American history!

On this historic anniversary, we'd like to remember Pelosi's accomplishments, and remind all the girls out there what they are capable of!

Who are some of your favorite girl power icons in history? Join us at Sweety High to let us know!