Lofgren Introduces Resolution to Rename Caucus Room for Pelosi

WASHINGTON — Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., chair of the House Administration Committee, introduced a resolution Tuesday designating the caucus room in the Cannon House Office Building be named the ‘‘Speaker Nancy Pelosi Caucus Room.’’

The resolution, which only needs a majority vote in the House to be enacted, is expected to be put up for that vote by the end of the week.

The expansive caucus room has long been the site of luncheons, receptions and committee meetings held in the Cannon Building, but it is perhaps most famous as the site of some of the most notorious hearings of the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s.

According to the House website, the double-height room harmonizes with the airy feel of the Rotunda’s second floor, lying outside its doors. 

“Paired Corinthian pilasters give depth and interest to the high walls, and lead the eye to the elaborate ceiling,” the website says. “A molded plaster entablature, enriched with color and gilding, outlines the upper walls. The ceiling is decorated with a variety of classical motifs, including rosettes and a Greek key border.”

Six windows and four crystal chandeliers light the room. The three-tiered chandeliers — original to the room and still in place — have unique glass shades surrounding the lights, the House website says. 

Decorative motifs seen throughout the Capitol, including liberty caps, eagles, laurel wreaths, and fasces are sandblasted onto the globe shades. 

A stylized profile of a Native American, often used as a representation of North America in 19th-century decorative schemes of the Capitol, also appears on the fixtures.

In introducing her resolution, Lofgren said, “Nancy Pelosi has been a singular force for good throughout her 35 years in the House of Representatives. She has dedicated her life to the dignity of the American people, to the defense of our democracy, and always foremost — to the children and the posterity of our nation.  

“Her achievements are unparalleled in the halls of Congress — from securing historic investments in clean energy and climate action, rescuing the economy during the Great Recession, guaranteeing health care to every American as a right to building a better, more sustainable and inclusive future — she has ably guided the nation with grace and determination,” Lofgren continued. “Throughout, she has been an inspiration to millions, an exemplar of patriotism, progress and resolve.”

The committee chair concluded her remarks by saying renaming the room would be “a small tribute to a towering figure in American history.” 

The Well News reached out to Pelosi’s office for comment on Lofgren’s proposal. 

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue