Hoyer Defends Fellow Democrat Over Racial Slur Incident

By Sofia Sanchez
University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) rebuked remarks made by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) during the congressional recess regarding allegations that an African-American member of Congress, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), was called the "N" word by tea party activists hours before the first vote on health care took place roughly three weeks ago.

When asked to discuss Bachmann's claim that the racial epithets may not have taken place, Hoyer responded.

"First of all, I think it undermines the credibility of someone who's a denier," he said. "People deny a lot of things happen, that are bad things that happen, and I don't think that is particularly useful."

Hoyer defended Lewis, regarded by many as being a Civil Rights pioneer, by saying, "I don't think there is any doubt that what John Lewis said happened and what others saw happened, and heard happen, did in fact happen."

Hoyer: PAYGO Is Key To Economic Recovery

By Benny Martinez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Monday that following the rules of PAYGO is crucial to keeping the U.S. from falling even further into debt.

In a speech given at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C., Hoyer discussed various fiscal responsibilities of the Obama administration, and said programs like PAYGO "are essential, but they are not enough."

The Majority Leader applauded President Barack Obama for creating a bipartisan fiscal commission and appointing former White House Chief of Staff Erksine Bowles and ex-Senator Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) to chair it.

"Given the seriousness of our situation, the commission must come to a consensus, and Congress must act on its proposals at the end of the year," Hoyer said.

Hoyer attributed the success of PAYGO to its role in creating a projected economic surplus during the Clinton administration. Hoyer also recognized that the decision by the Bush administration to abandon PAYGO "paved the way for record borrowing and threw us back in the red."

Hoyer said that he remains confident that the character of the U.S. will serve as the backbone of economic recovery, but reminded those in attendance that it will not happen overnight.

"It will take bipartisan trust, presidential leadership and public spirit," Hoyer said. "If we are unable to raise our heads even for a moment above the daily partisan fight, if the collapse comes, we will deserve it."

House Majority Leader Expects Health Care Vote Saturday Night

By Julianne LaJeunesse, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) spoke with reporters Friday about the newest Democrat health care plan, saying the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” should go to vote by 7 or 8 PM Saturday night.

The bill, which spans nearly 2,000 pages, has garnered the support of the AARP, the American Medical Association, and now, Families USA, a group who joined Hoyer in a teleconference with the press.

Hoyer said the bill is economically sound, despite some Republicans’ impression of the legislation. He said Rep. John Boehner (R- Ohio), who’s been a leader against the costs of the Democrat plan, “would not be for this bill.”

“We have a disagreement, but I think that his proposition is simply that he’s not for the program, irrespective of the economics.”

Hoyer went further on the topic of economics, and said that in light of today’s U.S. Department of Labor announcement of a 10.2 percent unemployment rate, “we’re all disappointed with the job numbers that were released today.” Hoyer added that financial progress has been made in the past few quarters, but said “very frankly, we need to focus on jobs, jobs creation, and jobs sustainment.”

Soon after Hoyer’s remarks, and just after signing a $24 billion bill that will extend unemployment benefits among other measures, President Obama addressed the country, saying, “I’m confident that our economy will recover,” he said. “I’m confident that we’re moving in the right direction. And I promise that I won’t rest until America prospers once again.”

Dignity and substance a refreshing message for all

“Our message to them is that we are all in this together. We understand that change is needed in our country, and today we have begun to turn around the ship of state” said, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Today at a press conference Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democratic House Leaders, and Committee chairs discussed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which will be voted on this evening. Americans have been in desperate need of reform seeking job opportunity and security. House Majority leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) revealed that last year Americans lost approximately 2.6 million jobs which makes it the worst year since 1945, and on Monday 65,000 jobs were lost in one day.

Three guests were recognized to give their stories: steel worker from Pennsylvania, an electrician and training kitchen chief from Washington DC. Each guest stressed the importance of their jobs and expressed their gratitude to the new administration for drafting legislation which will enforce the stimulus package.

“The opposition to this bill can speak out against this recovery plan all they want but, their policies have not worked and American’s voted for change, they voted for a new direction and that’s what were going to get.” said, Steny Hoyer

by Candyce Torres, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

Hoyer criticizes Republicans at pen and pad session

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) stated that he testified today for full voting rights status for the District of Columbia and said they are going to ask the Supreme Court to fast track it or get it signed by President Obama or ask if it needs to be a consitutional amendment.

Leader Hoyer also had comments about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. He said that some have criticized the bill as not enough but twice as much as discretionary spending last year. Asked if it was large enough, Leader Hoyer said "Not sure, you can hear many different opinions."

There will be no earmarks on this bill and when asked about bipartisanship, Leader Hoyer said "Being bi-partisan does not mean lying on the floor and doing whatever they want. The Republicans have taken a political stance against the bill."

Hoyer noted that despite the fact that President Obama was meeting with the Republicans they have told their members to vote against it. He also stated that the Republicans have run up our debt to a weak economy.

He concluded the pad and pen noting that with the bill would come good things. It would bring an increase in science & technology research, pell grants and school modernization. They want to make IDA money more transparent to the American public and offer COBRA subsidies.