NY Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at Pelosi's office protest

Democratic Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York joined a large protest on Tuesday at the office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Ocasio-Cortez was among a group of about 200 environmental activists calling on Democratic leaders to put forward a "Green New Deal" that includes a swift transition to 100 percent renewable energy in line with findings of a recent report on climate change by United Nations.

The incoming Congresswoman from New York addressed the group briefly before police came in to arrest demonstrators who refused to leave the hallway outside Pelosi's office.

Pelosi has pledged to reinstate a special committee on climate change after Democrats take control of the House. 

On Twitter, the California Democrat said she was inspired by the activists and urged Capitol Police to allow demonstrators to continue to organize and exercise their right to free speech. 

 

Come January, the 29-year-old Ocasio-Cortez is set to become the youngest member of Congress. This week, she and other newly elected House Democrats and Republicans have converged in Washington, D.C. for orientation week.

The House's historic incoming class of lawmakers will take official photos, meet colleagues, and get the lay of the land on Capitol Hill with instructions on such matters as hiring and making their offices run smoothly.