Tales from the Trail

She gets to have her cake and eat it too…

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi got a big birthday surprise when House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller carried a luscious looking chocolate birthday cake into the signing ceremony for the final piece of historic healthcare overhaul legislation.

The crowd sang happy birthday to the beaming 70-year-old after she signed the last installment of the hard won healthcare reform, the final step before sending it down to the White House for President Barack Obama’s signature. He is expected to sign it early next week.

“This our gift to the American people,” Pelosi said holding up the newly signed bill.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin acknowledged that the Democratic battle to win passage over solid Republican opposition “was no piece of cake.”

Lots of women would like to know Pelosi’s secret for keeping her more youthful looks. But one thing the speaker has not kept secret is what she would like for her birthday — a pool table.

It’s for her grandchildren, she said. But her husband apparently is a little reluctant to go along with the plan. Not to worry, the grand kids are going to work on “pop,” she told reporters.

Photo Credit:   Reuters/Larry Downing ( House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with Democratic Caucus Chair John Larson)

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