Press Release - Congresswoman Laura Richardson

For Immediate Release
October 9, 2009

Contact: Jeff Billington
(202) 225-7924

Congresswoman Richardson is Deeply Touched by Selection of President Obama to Receive the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Richardson released the following statement in response to the announcement that President Barack Obama has been selected to receive the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee:

“I congratulate President Obama on his selection as the Nobel laureate for peace and I commend the Nobel Committee for recognizing the significant contributions he has made to world peace and international cooperation since assuming office 250 days ago. President Obama has restored America’s reputation as the leading guardian of human rights, defender of freedom and preserver of peace.

"The bold and courageous steps for peace the President has taken are already working, as can be seen in the promising news of possible talks with Iran and comprehensive peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis. His strong, yet respectful approach to diplomacy is bearing fruit, and I believe will usher in a new era for peace and reconciliation among all nations, including Cuba and North Korea.

“The Nobel Peace Prize does not merely recognize past actions; its real significance can be found in the encouragement and support it gives to the recipient and the international community to continue working for the peace we all seek. Truly with President Obama, the best is still to come!”

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California’s 37^th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill.

###