House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (Md.) spoke today at his pen and pad briefing about the state of the economy and gas prices. Hoyer said the the economy is in real trouble, and that the policies of the Bush Administration of economic growth have not been realized. Hoyer said that the president’s recent opening up of the outer continental shelf is an “attempt to divert attention from his failed energy policy.” America is a nation of winners, but winners need good leadership and honest policies and the Bush Administration is not providing that, Hoyer said. Despite the President’s assurances that a second stimulus package is not necessary, Hoyer said he is hopeful that Congress can move forward in a bipartisan way on another stimulus package. The housing bill that is currently going through Congress is currently being worked on to add in Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson’s recommendations for the bill. Hoyer said the House is working with the Administration and hopes to hold hearing this week or next before voting on the legislation.