Majority Leader Hoyer discusses Democrats victories, cohesiveness in weekly pen and pad

In his weekly pen and pad briefing, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer discussed the schedule for the week ahead in addition to the achievements that the House Democrats have accomplished this session. Hoyer stated that H.R. 6049 The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 will be on the floor Wednesday and Thursday and the S.Con.Res. 70 on the Conference Report on the Concurrent Budget Resolution for 2009 will pass in the House, the first time a report such as this has passed since 2000. In addition to these bills, H.R. 5658 The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 will finish with discussion on Friday.

Hoyer also discussed the trip that 7 to 8 senior House Democratic leadership members led by Speaker Pelosi took over the weekend to Israel and Iraq. The delegation meant with the Prime Minister of Iraq in addition to Ambassador Crocker and General Petraeus. Among the many issues discussed was how to handle the detainees being held. While meeting with General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker, a positive view of progress was presented and Hoyer described the trip as a useful visit. Hoyer went on to say that 64% of Americans disagree with policy in Iraq and 26% of the Republican party disapproves with the policies in Iraq.

The trip to Israel was to acknowledge Israel's 60 years as a state and the delegation met with the President, Defense Minister, Speaker, and members of the Parliament. The newly elected speaker is the first woman to hold the position and Hoyer added that this was a historic meeting as it was with the first female Speaker of the U.S., Pelosi, and the first female Speaker of Israel. Hoyer said that the message of the trip was to state that the U.S. is a supporter of Israel and to recognize that Israel remains an "island of democracy in a sea of authoritarian governments."

Hoyer also touched on the victories in the special elections that the democrats have been gaining. The Democratic party won three elections in districts that voted for Bush and had incumbent Republican representatives. Hoyer stated, "Republicans continue to offer gamesmanship as opposed to substantive policy."