During a recent appearance at the Reframe Festival in San Francisco, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined PBS NewsHour co-anchor Geoff Bennett to share her thoughts on the current federal budget proposal and broader policy issues, including education, public health, and party leadership.

Pelosi began the conversation by emphasizing the importance of the federal budget as a reflection of national priorities.

“A budget should be a statement of our national values,” she said. “It’s about what we care about as a country — investing in the future of our children and supporting our families. That should be evident in every line of the budget.”

Pelosi raised concerns about proposed reductions in funding for education, suggesting that such cuts could have long-term implications for the nation’s workforce and economic strength.

“There’s no better return on investment than in the education of the American people,” she said. “Whether it’s early childhood, K-12, higher education, or continuing education for our workers, investing in learning supports not just individuals, but the broader economy.”

She also highlighted the importance of research and innovation, especially in the medical field.

“Basic biomedical research is one of the smartest investments we can make,” she noted. “It has the potential to save lives and reduce long-term healthcare costs by improving treatments and cures.”

While discussing funding priorities, Pelosi expressed concern about balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential public services.

“Budgeting is always about making choices,” she said. “But those choices should consider both short-term savings and long-term impact. It’s about being responsible stewards of our resources while still meeting the needs of the people.”

As the conversation shifted to party leadership, Pelosi praised the new generation of Democratic leaders in Congress, expressing confidence in their vision and dedication.

“Our leadership is strong, and our members are courageous,” she said. “Many of the legislative victories we’ve seen would not have happened without their determination and willingness to advocate for their communities.”

She acknowledged that communicating policy achievements to the public can be a challenge, and emphasized the importance of clarity and consistency in messaging.

“When people don’t see or understand what’s been accomplished, that’s not their fault,” Pelosi said. “It’s our responsibility to communicate more effectively — to show how policy decisions are improving lives, particularly for working families.”

One of her key messages was the importance of maintaining a focus on affordability — particularly in housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

“Everything we’ve done, we’ve done with the goal of lowering costs for everyday Americans,” Pelosi explained. “We’ve worked to expand access to care, make housing more affordable, and create opportunities for people to thrive.”

She also discussed the dynamic between Congress and the executive branch, highlighting the importance of oversight and accountability, regardless of political affiliation.

“Our job in Congress is not just to legislate, but to ensure that our government works in the best interest of the people,” she said. “That includes careful prioritization and making sure our actions align with the values and needs of those we represent.”

Pelosi’s comments came as the country continues to evaluate the broader economic landscape. Recent reports have shown encouraging signs, including easing inflation and reduced costs in certain sectors.

According to data from early spring, consumer prices declined slightly in several categories, such as energy and transportation. These trends have brought cautious optimism that inflation could continue to moderate, providing some relief for households nationwide.

Pelosi did not address these specific reports during the interview but remained focused on the importance of policies that support long-term economic stability and equity.

“Building a strong future requires a foundation of opportunity — and that means smart investments today,” she concluded. “We have the tools to create meaningful change, but we must use them wisely and with purpose.”

Throughout the conversation, Pelosi steered the discussion toward policy ideas rather than partisan criticism. Her tone reflected a broader call for collaboration and thoughtful governance, especially in times of uncertainty.

As the political landscape continues to evolve and new challenges emerge, her message was clear: the focus should remain on serving the American people through balanced priorities, transparent communication, and forward-thinking policy.