The Economy will not be fixed in a few months

The House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer spoke about Obama’s news budget at a weekly press conference. Hoyer spoke about President Obama and his administrations new budget. Hoyer stated that the budget proposal was bold and honest and that the American people have to realize that the economy will not be fixed in a few months. He said that the Obama’s economic policies can turn the economy around, but in a matter of years according to some financial experts.

Hoyer discussed the importance of patient when it comes to U.S. finances, since Obama inherited an economy in deep recession. When talking to different financial experts most of them say that it will take time before any results can be shown, he said.

Hoyer also stated that the D.C Voting Bill regarding gun control is making progress. He said his prediction will be passed this year by the House.

Hoyer also brought up what he thinks are two challenges in America’s current politics; Healthcare and energy are both areas were there is a lot of interest groups involved and the challenges will be to try to please as many as possible.

House passes SCHIP

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) described the House's vote in favor of the State Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) as a symbol of the new direction Congress hopes to take.

"The Bipartisan, fully payed for, Children's health insurance bill represents the new direction Democrats fought for in the last congress," said Pelosi during a press conference immediately following the vote. Also in attendance were a number of Democratic Congressional leaders and families who will benefit from SCHIP, including a couple whose son went through two million dollars worth of medical procedures.

"This is only the beginning of the change we can achieve with our new President," added Pelosi.

SCHIP is expected to be one the earliest, if not the first, piece of legislation signed by Barack Obama. Under the Bush administration SCHIP was vetoed twice, despite support from a number of Republicans.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer touted the range of the bill's support.

"Not only did we get two thirds of the vote but almost 30% of the Republicans in the House of Representatives voted for this bill."

Hoyer continued,

"Fixing America's health care will take much longer than an afternoon, but today we made an essential start."

Congress presses for children's health insurance

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) commented on Congressional efforts to pass the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), describing it as a symbol of President Elect Barack Obama's promise to bring change to America.

According to data released by the Majority Leader's office, SCHIP will provide health insurance for over 11 million children, give parents greater access to preventative care, and allow states to enroll documented immigrant children in the country in health programs without waiting the five year waiting period.

Hoyer addressed concerns raised by conservatives that SCHIP will provide federal funds for children in the U.S. illegally, dismissing the complaint as a red herring and promising that nobody in the country illegally will receives SCHIPS's benefits.

Despite having support from a number of Republicans, SCHIP was vetoed twice in 2007 by President Bush. Following the initial vetoes, Hoyer stated that Democrats in Congress pledged that if they were reelected under a Democratic President they would pursue SCHIP again.

The Majority Leader also discussed upcoming legislation that would reform the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). The legislation seeks to enforce the original intentions of the bill, such as requiring a substantial amount of the remaining $350 billion to be used for lending, and will also be subjected to additional oversight.

Hoyer blames Bush for economic woes

During a pen and pad session with reporters, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) brought attention to the stark differences between the economic situation at the end of the Clinton administration and that facing the Bush presidency in its final days.

The Majority Leader pointed to the drastic dip in employment, retail sales, confidence in the financial institutions and the rising deficit.

"There is not a criteria of comparison between 2000 and now...that doesn't show the failure of the Bush administration to produce what they said they were going to produce by their economic program," said Hoyer.

"In fact, just the opposite is true. We're experiencing our worst economic times since the 30's."

Hoyer charged Republicans as acting as if deficits do not matter and mentioned their reluctance to pay for the costly programs they supported.

The Democrats in Congress are apparently poised to improve the economic situation through a number of steps, including tax relief, improving health care, investing in education, and updating the national infrastructure. Hoyer also announced that the House Committees are planning hearings on the upcoming stimulus.

Hoyer went on to say that while he supports Obama, he will avoid what he describes as the 'complacent and complicit' nature that Congressional Republicans dealt with Bush, by providing additional oversight. He emphasized his point by holding up a copy of 'The Hill' newspaper with the headline 'I don't work for Obama'.

Congress prepares for auto industry bailout vote

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) announced that Congress would be prepared to vote on the bailout for the Big 3 automakers today, pending discussion with those in the Senate.

During a pen and pad session, Hoyer elaborated on the details of the legislation, “Any tax payer assistance will be covered with vigorous oversight, and it’s included in the bill.”

While the Majority Leader stated that they will be prepared today, the Senate may vote first if success seems more likely through that avenue.

Hoyer also discussed prospects for an economic stimulus package, “President-elect Obama has made it very clear that he wants to see a very substantial economic stimulus package passed. He wants to sign such a package in January,” said Hoyer.

“After eight years of economic policies that have lead us to arguably the worst economic performance, the greatest loss of jobs, the most difficulty confronting our people since the great depression it’s critically important that we have legislation that will assist in getting this economy going. We plan on doing this very early next year before President-elect Obama is sworn.”

The Majority Leader also said that he and ten other representatives, including ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), will be presenting Obama with a series of suggestions to help end the genocide in Darfur.