Steny Hoyer#Congressional Reputation

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Steny Hoyer

| image = Steny Hoyer 116th Congress.jpg

| office = House Majority Leader

| 1blankname = Speaker

| 1namedata = Nancy Pelosi

| 2blankname = Whip

| 2namedata = Jim Clyburn

| term_start = January 3, 2019

| term_end = January 3, 2023

| predecessor = Kevin McCarthy

| successor = Steve Scalise

| 1blankname1 = Speaker

| 1namedata1 = Nancy Pelosi

| term_start1 = January 3, 2007

| term_end1 = January 3, 2011

| 2blankname1 = Whip

| 2namedata1 = Jim Clyburn

| predecessor1 = John Boehner

| successor1 = Eric Cantor

| office2 = House Minority Whip

| leader2 = Nancy Pelosi

| term_start2 = January 3, 2011

| term_end2 = January 3, 2019

| predecessor2 = Eric Cantor

| successor2 = Steve Scalise

| leader3 = Nancy Pelosi

| term_start3 = January 3, 2003

| term_end3 = January 3, 2007

| predecessor3 = Nancy Pelosi

| successor3 = Roy Blunt

| office4 = Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

| leader4 = Tom Foley

| term_start4 = June 21, 1989

| term_end4 = January 3, 1995

| predecessor4 = William H. Gray III

| successor4 = Vic Fazio

| office5 = Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

| leader5 = Jim Wright

| term_start5 = January 3, 1989

| term_end5 = June 21, 1989

| predecessor5 = Mary Rose Oakar

| successor5 = Vic Fazio

| state6 = Maryland

| district6 = {{ushr|MD|5|5th}}

| term_start6 = May 19, 1981

| term_end6 =

| predecessor6 = Gladys Spellman

| successor6 =

| office7 = President of the Maryland Senate

| term_start7 = January 3, 1975

| term_end7 = January 3, 1978

| predecessor7 = William S. James

| successor7 = James Clark Jr.

| state_senate8 = Maryland

| district8 = 26th

| term_start8 = January 3, 1975

| term_end8 = January 3, 1978

| predecessor8 = Constituency established

| successor8 = Mike Donovan

| state_senate9 = Maryland

| district9 = 4C

| term_start9 = January 1967

| term_end9 = January 1975

| predecessor9 = constituency established

| successor9 = constituency abolished

| birth_name = Steny Hamilton Hoyer

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1939|6|14}}

| birth_place = New York City, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Democratic

| spouse = {{marriage|Judith Pickett|1961|1997|end=died}}{{cite news |first1=Fred |last1=Rasmussen |title=Judith Hoyer, 57, school official, congressman's wife |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-02-07-1997038129-story.html |access-date=March 25, 2019 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 7, 1997 |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325165756/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-02-07-1997038129-story.html |url-status=live }}
{{marriage|Elaine Kamarck|2023}}

| children = 3

| residence = Mechanicsville, Maryland, U.S.

| education = University of Maryland, College Park (BA)
Georgetown University (JD)

| profession = {{hlist|Politician|lawyer}}

| website = {{URL|hoyer.house.gov|House website}}

| signature = Steny Hoyer Signature.svg

| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on the Retirement of U.S. Postal Service Government Relations Manager Mitch King.ogg|title=Steny Hoyer's voice|type=speech|description=Hoyer honors Mitch King, a retiring government relations manager for the United States Postal Service
Recorded April 22, 2009}}

| caption = Official portrait, 2019

}}

Steny Hamilton Hoyer ({{IPAc-en|'|s|t|ɛ|n|i|_|ˈ|h|ɔɪ|ər}} {{respell|STEN|ee|_|HOY|ər}}; born June 14, 1939) is an American politician and retired attorney who has served as the U.S. representative for {{ushr|MD|5}} since 1981. He also served as House Majority Leader from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. Hoyer first attained office through a special election on May 19, 1981, and is in his 23rd House term. His district includes a large swath of rural and suburban territory southeast of Washington, D.C. Hoyer is the dean of the Maryland congressional delegation and the most senior Democrat in the House.{{Cite web |title=Steny Hoyer for Congress |url=https://www.hoyerforcongress.com/home |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=Hoyer for Congress |language=en}}

From 2003 to 2023, Hoyer was the second-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives behind Nancy Pelosi. He is a two-time House majority leader, having served in the post from 2007 to 2011 under Speaker Pelosi.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2006/11/17/corrected--democrats-defy-pelosi-elect-hoyer-house-leader/|title=Corrected - Democrats defy Pelosi, elect Hoyer House leader|work=Toronto Star|agency=Reuters|date=November 16, 2006|access-date=June 18, 2018|first1=Thomas|last1=Ferraro|first2=Richard|last2=Cowan|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194647/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2006/11/17/corrected--democrats-defy-pelosi-elect-hoyer-house-leader/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2006/11/hoyer-beats-out-murtha-for-majority.html|title=Hoyer beats out Murtha for majority leader|author=Alexander Mooney|department=CNN Political Ticker|work=CNN|date=November 16, 2006|access-date=November 16, 2006|archive-date=March 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309162552/http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2006/11/hoyer-beats-out-murtha-for-majority.html|url-status=live}} During two periods of Republican House control (2003–2007 and 2011–2019), Hoyer served as House minority whip, both times under Minority Leader Pelosi. Following the 2018 midterm elections in which the Democrats took control of the House, Hoyer was reelected majority leader in 2019 for the 116th Congress; he remained the number two House Democrat behind Speaker Pelosi. He announced on November 17, 2022, that he, along with Pelosi, would not seek a leadership position in the 118th Congress, though he would remain a member of the House.{{cite news |url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/steny-hoyer-elected-house-majority-leader |title=Steny Hoyer Elected House Majority Leader |first1=Lindsey |last1=McPherson |date=November 28, 2018 |work=Roll Call |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184408/https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/steny-hoyer-elected-house-majority-leader |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-hoyer-majority-leader-20181128-story.html |title=Democrats select Maryland's Steny Hoyer to return as U.S. House majority leader; Pelosi nominated for speaker |first=Jeff |last=Barker |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 28, 2018 |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129134631/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-hoyer-majority-leader-20181128-story.html |url-status=live }}

Early life and education

Hoyer was born in New York City but grew up in Mitchellville, Maryland, the son of Jean (née Baldwin) and Steen Theilgaard Høyer. His father was Danish and a native of Copenhagen; "Steny" is a variant of his father's name, "Steen".{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Valdez |url=https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/hoyer-balancing-roles |title=For Hoyer, a Balancing of Roles |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 28, 2004 |via=majorityleader.gov |access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127151730/https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/hoyer-balancing-roles |url-status=live }} His mother was an American with Scottish, German, and English ancestry and a descendant of John Hart, a signer of the US Declaration of Independence.{{cite web |url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/hoyer.htm |title=Steny Hoyer ancestry |website=Ancestry.com |access-date=February 20, 2012 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019004052/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/hoyer.htm |url-status=live }}

Steny Hoyer graduated from Suitland High School in Suitland, Maryland. In 1963, Hoyer received his B.A. degree magna cum laude and graduated Omicron Delta Kappa from the University of Maryland, College Park. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He earned his J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1966.{{cite web |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/39fed/06ushse/html/msa01618.html |title=Steny H. Hoyer, U.S. Representative (Maryland) |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=January 27, 2020 |date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127150521/https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/39fed/06ushse/html/msa01618.html |url-status=live }}

Early political career

From 1962 to 1966, Hoyer was a member of the staff of U.S. Senator Daniel Brewster; also on Brewster's staff at that time was Nancy Pelosi.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/15/AR2006111501521.html|title=Pelosi Splits Democrats With Push For Murtha|author=Jonathan Weisman and Lois Romano|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 16, 2006|access-date=November 16, 2006|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132151/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/15/AR2006111501521.html|url-status=live}}

In 1966, Hoyer won a newly created seat in the Maryland State Senate, representing Prince George's County–based Senate district 4C.{{cite web|url=http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/speccol/sc2600/sc2685/senate/html/legis4sen.html|title=Maryland Senate, Legislative District 4, 4A, 4B, 4C|website=msa.maryland.gov}} The district, created in the aftermath of Reynolds v. Sims, was renumbered as the 26th in 1975,{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=113038|title=Our Campaigns - MD State Senate 26 Race - Nov 05, 1974|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113064832/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=113038|url-status=live}} the same year that Hoyer was elected president of the Maryland State Senate, the youngest in state history.{{cite web |url=https://hoyer.house.gov/about |title=Biography of Steny Hoyer |access-date=November 18, 2006 |archive-date=November 14, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114005046/http://hoyer.house.gov/About/ |url-status=live }}

From 1969 to 1971, Hoyer served as the first vice president of the Young Democrats of America.{{cite web |title=YDA past officers (1932-2019) |url=https://www.yda.org/past-officers |website=Young Democrats of America |access-date=January 27, 2020 |date=2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209040425/https://www.yda.org/past-officers |url-status=live }}

In 1978, Hoyer sought the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Maryland as the running mate of then acting Governor Blair Lee III, but lost to Samuel Bogley, 37%–34%.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27954|title=Our Campaigns - MD Lt. Governor - D Primary Race - Sep 12, 1978|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151110/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27954|url-status=live}} The same year, Hoyer was appointed to the Maryland Board of Higher Education, a position he held until 1981.

U.S. House of Representatives

Image:Steny Hoyer, official photo portrait, circa 1980s.jpg

File:Steny Hoyer.jpg]]

File:Steny Hoyer DNC 2008.jpg of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.]]

File:Rep. Hoyer and Sen. Mikulski present photo to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, May 8, 2007.jpg presenting a photo to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Greenbelt, Maryland]]

=Elections=

Fifth district Congresswoman Gladys Spellman fell into a coma shortly before the 1980 election. She was reelected, but it soon became apparent that she would never regain consciousness, and Congress declared her seat vacant by resolution in February 1981. Hoyer narrowly won a crowded seven-way Democratic primary, beating Spellman's husband, Reuben, by only 1,600 votes. He defeated a better-funded Republican, Bowie Mayor{{cite web |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/educ/exhibits/womenshallfame/html/scott.html | title=Biographies - Audrey E. Scott }} Audrey Scott, in the May 19 special election. 56%–44%, earning himself the nickname "boy wonder".Shailagh Murray [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/16/AR2006111601524.html "Political Pragmatism Carried Hoyer to the Top"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201171242/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/16/AR2006111601524.html |date=December 1, 2016 }}. The Washington Post, page A6. Friday, November 17, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=439802|title=Our Campaigns - MD District 5 - Special D Primary Race - Apr 07, 1981|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113064449/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=439802|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27957|title=Our Campaigns - MD - District 5 - Special Election Race - May 19, 1981|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=August 11, 2009|archive-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024014852/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27957|url-status=live}} In the 1982 general election, Hoyer was reelected to a full term with 80% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27958|title=Our Campaigns - MD District 5 Race - Nov 02, 1982|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113064927/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27958|url-status=live}} He has faced only one relatively close contest since then, when he defeated future Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan with 53% of the vote in 1992.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27962|title=Our Campaigns - MD District 5 Race - Nov 03, 1992|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151144/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27962|url-status=live}} His second-lowest margin of victory was his 1996 race against Republican State Delegate John Morgan, when he received 57% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=1199|title=Our Campaigns - Candidate - Steny H. Hoyer|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=November 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106021726/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=1199|url-status=live}} Hoyer has been reelected 14 times with no substantive opposition and is the longest-serving House member ever from Maryland.

=Tenure=

==Domestic issues==

Hoyer supports and has led the Make It In America plan linking the domestic manufacturing industry and overall U.S. economic success.{{cite web |website=The Office of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer |url=https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/house-democrats-make-it-america-plan |title=House Democrats' Make It In America Plan |date=June 13, 2016 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124120333/https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/house-democrats-make-it-america-plan |url-status=live }}

Hoyer is pro-choice on abortion rights.{{cite web |url=https://ontheissues.org/House/Steny_Hoyer.htm |title=Steny Hoyer on the Issues |work=On the Issues |access-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115173811/https://ontheissues.org/House/Steny_Hoyer.htm |url-status=live }} He voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in 2003. (However, at the height of national polarization after the Supreme Court's intention to overturn Roe v. Wade leaked, Hoyer controversially endorsed a pro-life incumbent House member over his pro-choice primary challenger.{{cite news |last1=Metzger |first1=Bryan |title=Top Democrat defends backing pro-life Rep. Henry Cuellar over progressive challenger as the Supreme Court weighs overturning Roe v. Wade |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/hoyer-jeffries-defend-backing-henry-cuellar-jessica-cisneros-roe-abortion-2022-5 |access-date=July 16, 2022 |work=Business Insider |publisher=Insider Inc. |date=May 11, 2022}}) Hoyer supports affirmative action and LGBT rights. He is rated "F" by the NRA Political Victory Fund, indicating that he tends to vote in favor of gun control.{{cite web |title=NRA-PVF {{!}} Grades {{!}} Maryland |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/maryland/ |website=nrapvf.org |publisher=NRA-PVF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104205412/https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/maryland/ |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |language=en-us |url-status=usurped}}{{cite web |title=NRA-PVF {{!}} Grades {{!}} Maryland |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/maryland/ |website=nrapvf.org |publisher=NRA-PVF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107141808/https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/maryland |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |language=en-us |url-status=usurped}}{{Citation |last=Lacombe |first=Matthew J. |title=The Party-Group Alignment of the NRA and the GOP |date=2021-03-09 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.23943/princeton/9780691207445.003.0006 |work=Firepower |pages=149–185 |access-date=2023-03-26 |publisher=Princeton University Press|doi=10.23943/princeton/9780691207445.003.0006 |isbn=9780691207445 }}

In 2008, Hoyer said he opposed providing immunity to telecom companies, but then negotiated a bill, which Senators Patrick Leahy and Russ Feingold called a "capitulation", that would provide immunity to any telecom company{{cite news |title=House Prepares to Debate New Surveillance Law |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/06/20/house-prepares-to-debate-new-surveillance-law.html |access-date=December 5, 2018 |work=CNBC |agency=Associated Press |date=June 20, 2008 |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001725/https://www.cnbc.com/id/25280929 |url-status=live }} that had been told by the George W. Bush administration that its actions were legal.{{cite web |url=http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/10/steny_hoyer_says_some_strong_words_against_telecom_immunity.php |title=Steny Hoyer Says Some Strong Words Against Telecom Immunity |first=Greg |last=Sargent |department=Election Central |work=Talking Points Memo |access-date=June 18, 2008 |date=October 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407221456/http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/10/steny_hoyer_says_some_strong_words_against_telecom_immunity.php |archive-date=April 7, 2008}}{{cite web |url=http://democrats.com/wiretapping-impeachment-not-immunity |title=Wiretapping: Impeachment Not Immunity |first=Bob |last=Fertik |website=Democrats.com |access-date=June 17, 2008 |date=June 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618215322/http://www.democrats.com/wiretapping-impeachment-not-immunity |archive-date=June 18, 2008}}{{cite web |url=https://www.salon.com/2008/06/17/hoyer_2/ |title=Targeting Steny Hoyer for his contempt for the rule of law |first=Glenn |last=Greenwald |website=Salon.com |access-date=June 19, 2008 |date=June 17, 2008 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113234610/https://www.salon.com/2008/06/17/hoyer_2/ |url-status=live }} "No matter how they spin it, this is still immunity", said Kevin Bankston, a senior lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a privacy rights group that sued over Bush's wiretapping program. "It's not compromise, it's pure theater."{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/washington/20fisacnd.html?hp |work=The New York Times |title=Deal Reached in Congress to Rewrite Rules on Wiretapping |first=Eric |last=Lichtblau |date=June 20, 2008 |access-date=May 24, 2010 |archive-date=April 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424144833/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/washington/20fisacnd.html?hp |url-status=live }}

In June 2010, Hoyer brought up the idea that Congress could temporarily extend middle-class tax cuts set to expire at the end of the year, suggesting that making them permanent would cost too much. President Obama wanted to extend them permanently for people making less than $200,000 a year and families making less than $250,000.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Hoyer: Permanent middle class tax cuts too costly |work=The Columbian |date=June 22, 2010 |url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jun/22/hoyer-permanent-middle-class-tax-cuts-too-costly/ |access-date=January 12, 2021 |location=Vancouver, Washington |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114022140/https://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jun/22/hoyer-permanent-middle-class-tax-cuts-too-costly/ |url-status=live }}

Hoyer voted against the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1999. In 2019 and 2021, Hoyer voted to impeach President Donald Trump.{{Cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-impeachment-vote-results-house-2019-12 |title=WHIP COUNT: Here's which members of the House voted for and against impeaching Trump |first=Grace |last=Panetta |website=Business Insider |date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224170114/https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-impeachment-vote-results-house-2019-12 |url-status=live }}

In February 2021, Hoyer made a speech in Congress that has been viewed online more than two million times, criticizing a Facebook post by U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. The post featured a gun-toting Greene next to three members of the "Squad"—Representatives Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib—with the caption "Democrats' Worst Nightmare". In his speech, Hoyer compared Greene's words with those of Representative Steve King, who was removed from the Judiciary and Agriculture Committees in 2019 after comments he made to The New York Times questioning why white supremacy was considered offensive. Hoyer said that, in both posts, Greene had promoted baseless conspiracy theories far more offensive and incendiary than the comment that led Republicans to strip King of his committee roles. He asked his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to "do the decent thing" and strip Greene of her committee roles. The vote succeeded, with 11 Republicans joining Democrats to pass the motion to remove.{{Cite web|last=Batchelor|first=Tom|date=February 5, 2021|title=Steny Hoyer's viral speech denouncing Marjorie Taylor Greene viewed 2 million times|url=https://www.newsweek.com/steny-hoyer-speech-marjorie-taylor-greene-1567062|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=September 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913180952/https://www.newsweek.com/steny-hoyer-speech-marjorie-taylor-greene-1567062}}

==Foreign issues==

Hoyer supports civilian nuclear cooperation with India.{{cite web|title=Roll Call 541 {{!}} Bill Number: H. R. 5682|url=https://clerkpreview.house.gov/Votes/2006541?Page=1&RollCallNum=541&Date=12%2F08%2F2006|website=Office of the Clerk|publisher=U.S. House of Representatives|access-date=April 27, 2018|date=December 8, 2006|archive-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925120716/https://clerkpreview.house.gov/Votes/2006541?Page=1&RollCallNum=541&Date=12%2F08%2F2006|url-status=live}}

Hoyer initially supported the Iraq War and was recognized by the DLC for his vocal leadership on this issue. After the war became publicly unpopular, he said he favored a "responsible redeployment".{{cite web|url=http://hoyer.house.gov/newsroom/index.asp?ID=943|title=Rep. Steny Hoyer :: newsroom|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070725190656/http://hoyer.house.gov/newsroom/index.asp?ID=943|archive-date=July 25, 2007}} But he repeatedly supported legislation to continue funding the war without deadlines for troop withdrawal, most recently in return for increased funding of domestic projects.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/07/AR2007120702550_2.html?hpid=topnews |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Hill Close To Deal on War Funds |first1=Jonathan |last1=Weisman |first2=Paul |last2=Kane |date=December 8, 2007 |access-date=May 24, 2010 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103221009/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/07/AR2007120702550_2.html?hpid=topnews |url-status=live }}

Hoyer is a supporter of Israel, and has often been allied with American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). In September 2007, he criticized Representative Jim Moran for suggesting that AIPAC "has pushed [the Iraq] war from the beginning", calling the comment "factually inaccurate".{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/news/10652-hoyer-takes-aim-at-morans-aipac-comment/|title=Hoyer takes aim at Moran's AIPAC comment|work=The Hill|access-date=September 19, 2007|first=Mike|last=Soraghan|date=September 18, 2007|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428093852/http://thehill.com/homenews/news/13051-hoyer-takes-aim-at-morans-aipac-comment|url-status=live}} In January 2017, he voted for a House resolution condemning UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which called Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories a flagrant violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace.{{cite news |title=House votes to rebuke UN on Israeli settlement resolution |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/312956-house-votes-to-rebuke-un-vote-on-israel/ |work=The Hill |date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194859/https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/312956-house-votes-to-rebuke-un-vote-on-israel |url-status=live }}

Hoyer supported President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.{{cite news |title=In US Congress, robust backing for Trump's Jerusalem move |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-us-congress-robust-backing-for-trumps-jerusalem-move/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804131829/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-us-congress-robust-backing-for-trumps-jerusalem-move/ |url-status=live }} In 2023, he voted with an overwhelming bipartisan majority to provide Israel with whatever support is necessary in the "barbaric war" in Gaza started by Hamas and other terrorists following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.{{Cite news |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |date=2023-10-25 |title=House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/politics/house-israel-vote.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2023-10-25 |title=Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023528 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en}}

Hoyer has said that a nuclear Iran is "unacceptable" and that the use of force remains an option.{{cite news |url=https://www.jpost.com/Iranian-Threat/News/Democrats-Nuclear-Iran-unacceptable |title=Democrats: Nuclear Iran unacceptable |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=January 7, 2007 |access-date=January 8, 2007 |first=Hillary Leila |last=Krieger |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427183030/https://www.jpost.com/Iranian-Threat/News/Democrats-Nuclear-Iran-unacceptable |url-status=live }}

In January 2019, Hoyer opposed Trump's planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan as "impulsive, irresponsible, and dangerous".{{cite news |title=Don't Let Democrats Become the Party of War |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/04/dont-let-democrats-become-the-party-of-war-trump-syria-afghanistan-north-korea-pelosi-schumer/ |work=Foreign Policy |date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2019 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003135841/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/04/dont-let-democrats-become-the-party-of-war-trump-syria-afghanistan-north-korea-pelosi-schumer/ |url-status=live }} He supports former President Obama's call for authorizing limited but decisive military action in response to the Assad regime's alleged use of chemical weapons.

Hoyer is a former chair of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

==Maritime law==

Hoyer voted for the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987.{{Cite web |title=TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS S 858, ABANDONED SHIPWRECK … -- House Vote #532 -- March 29, 1988 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/h532 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}} The Act asserts United States title to certain abandoned shipwrecks located on or embedded in submerged lands under state jurisdiction, and transfers title to the respective state, thereby empowering states to manage these cultural and historical resources more efficiently, with the goal of preventing treasure hunters and salvagers from damaging them. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law on April 28, 1988.{{Cite web |title=Laws - Division of Historical Resources - Florida Department of State |url=https://dos.fl.gov/historical/archaeology/underwater/laws/#:~:text=On%2028%20April%201988,%20President,authority%20over%20those%20abandoned%20shipwrecks. |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=dos.fl.gov}}

==Legislation==

On February 28, 2014, Hoyer introduced the bill to amend the National Law Enforcement Museum Act to extend the termination date (H.R. 4120; 113th Congress).{{cite web|title=H.R. 4120 - All Actions|url=http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/4120/all-actions/|website=Congress.gov|publisher=Library of Congress|access-date=April 30, 2014|archive-date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502002331/http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/4120/all-actions/|url-status=live}} The bill would extend until November 9, 2016, the authority of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization, to construct a museum on federal lands in the District of Columbia honoring law enforcement officers.{{cite web|title=CBO - H.R. 4120|url=http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45283|website=Congressional Budget Office|date=April 17, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2014|archive-date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502033214/http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45283|url-status=live}}

==Fundraising==

Hoyer is a prolific fundraiser for House Democrats. He has been the top giver to fellow party members in the House. In the 2008 election cycle, he contributed more than $1 million to the party and individual candidates as of July 14, 2008.{{cite news |title=Hoyer Is a Giver |work=Congressional Quarterly |date=July 14, 2008 |url=http://www.cq.com/document/display.do?dockey=/cqonline/prod/data/docs/html/news/110/news110-000002916307.html@allnews&pub=news&print=true |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081115023516/http://www.cq.com/document/display.do?dockey=%2Fcqonline%2Fprod%2Fdata%2Fdocs%2Fhtml%2Fnews%2F110%2Fnews110-000002916307.html%40allnews&pub=news&print=true |url-status=live }}

=Party leadership=

Image:Bush, Pelosi, and Hoyer meeting at White House, Nov 9, 2006.jpg meets with soon to be Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and soon to be House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on November 9, 2006.]]

File:NPOMS 2019-130 (32917978187).jpg in 2019]]

Hoyer served as chair of the Democratic Caucus, the fourth-ranking position among House Democrats, from 1989 to 1994; a former co-chair of the Democratic Steering Committee; and as the chief candidate recruiter for House Democrats from 1995 to 2000. He also served as Deputy Majority Whip from 1987 to 1989.

When David E. Bonior resigned as minority whip in early 2002, Hoyer ran in the race to succeed him but lost to Nancy Pelosi. After the 2002 midterm elections, Pelosi ran to succeed Dick Gephardt as minority leader, leaving the minority whip post open again.{{cite news |url=http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/11/05/hoyer-has-won-contested-leadership-races |work=Fox News |title=Hoyer has won contested leadership races before - FoxNews.com |date=November 5, 2010 |access-date=November 8, 2010 |archive-date=November 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108132350/http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/11/05/hoyer-has-won-contested-leadership-races |url-status=live }} On November 14, 2002, Hoyer's colleagues in the Democratic Caucus unanimously elected him minority whip, the second-highest-ranking position among House Democrats.

Pelosi became the Speaker of the House in January 2007. Hoyer was elected by his colleagues to be House Majority Leader for the 110th Congress, defeating John Murtha of Pennsylvania by a vote of 149–86 within the caucus, despite Pelosi's endorsement of Murtha.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/08/congress.new.leader/|title=CNN: Scramble is on to replace Congressional leaders|date=November 9, 2006|work=CNN|access-date=November 9, 2006|archive-date=December 21, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061221080628/http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/08/congress.new.leader/|url-status=live}} Hoyer was the first Marylander to become Majority Leader{{cite web |url=http://democraticleader.house.gov/about_the_whip/about_steny_hoyer/bio.cfm |title=About the Majority Leader |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115074025/http://democraticleader.house.gov/about_the_whip/about_steny_hoyer/bio.cfm |archive-date=January 15, 2007 |website=Office of the House Democratic Majority Leader}} and became the highest-ranking federal lawmaker in Maryland history. In this post, Hoyer was the House Democrats' floor leader and ranked second in the leadership, after the Speaker.

The day after the 2010 midterm elections, in which the Democrats lost control of the House, Hoyer had a private conversation with Pelosi and said he would not challenge her for minority leader.{{cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Patricia|url=http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/11/03/nancy-pelosi-has-no-regrets-following-midterm-rout/|title=Nancy Pelosi Has 'No Regrets' Following Midterm Rout|department=The Capitolist|work=Politics Daily|date=November 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104233827/http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/11/03/nancy-pelosi-has-no-regrets-following-midterm-rout/|archive-date=November 4, 2010|url-status=dead}} He ran for minority whip, but was challenged by outgoing Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (the top House Democrats wanted to remain in the leadership, but the minority party in the House has one less position). Hoyer is moderate while Pelosi and Clyburn are more liberal, and a significant number of Hoyer's would-be supporters in the House who were moderate and conservative Democrats had been defeated for reelection.{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/11/steny-hoyer-james-clyburn-democratic-leadership-/1 |work=USA Today |first=Catalina |last=Camia |title=Democrats Hoyer, Clyburn fight for leadership post |date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=November 8, 2010 |archive-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111193319/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/11/steny-hoyer-james-clyburn-democratic-leadership-/1 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/11/hire_hoyer.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Hire Hoyer |access-date=November 8, 2010 |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112220940/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/11/hire_hoyer.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/11/08/hoyer-clyburn-an-impromptu-leadership-fight/ |work=The Wall Street Journal |first=Patrick |last=O'Connor |title=Hoyer, Clyburn: An Impromptu Leadership Fight |date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=August 4, 2017 |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212337/https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/11/08/hoyer-clyburn-an-impromptu-leadership-fight/ |url-status=live }} The Congressional Black Caucus backed Clyburn, while 30 House Democrats have supported Hoyer.{{cite web|url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/high-profile-dems-back-hoyer-in-whip-race.php|title=High Profile Dems Back Hoyer In Whip Race|access-date=November 8, 2010|archive-date=November 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109211721/http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/high-profile-dems-back-hoyer-in-whip-race.php|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/darcy-burner/the-progressive-case-for_b_779979.html |work=Huffington Post |first=Darcy |last=Burner |title=The Progressive Case for Steny Hoyer as Minority Whip |date=May 25, 2011 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305041159/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/darcy-burner/the-progressive-case-for_b_779979.html |url-status=live }} Hoyer received further support from outgoing Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard L. Berman, Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, and outgoing Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/09/AR2010110906587.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Paul |last=Kane |title=In race for whip, Hoyer gets liberals' support |date=November 10, 2010 |access-date=September 15, 2017 |archive-date=October 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007021634/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/09/AR2010110906587.html |url-status=live }} Pelosi intervened in the contest by supporting Hoyer as Minority Whip, while creating an "Assistant Leader" position for Clyburn, which would keep him as the third-ranking Democrat in the House behind Pelosi and Hoyer (the existing "Assistant to the Leader" post formerly held by Chris Van Hollen is not officially part of the House leadership and was directly appointed by the Minority Leader).{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-13/pelosi-heads-off-democratic-leadership-fight-backs-hoyer-for-no-2-post.html |work=Bloomberg |first=James |last=Rowley |title=Pelosi Heads Off Democratic Leadership Fight, Backs Hoyer for No. 2 Post |date=November 13, 2010 |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107235944/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-13/pelosi-heads-off-democratic-leadership-fight-backs-hoyer-for-no-2-post.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45077.html|title='Assistant leader' for Clyburn|website=Politico|date=November 13, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2010|archive-date=November 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114043919/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45077.html|url-status=live}}

Hoyer and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) have been criticized for picking their preferred candidates through an undemocratic process. In 2018, it was reported that Hoyer sought to influence the primary race in Colorado's 6th congressional district. He was recorded urging progressive candidate Levi Tillemann to drop out of the race. Hoyer acknowledged that the DCCC had already identified its preferred candidate and discouraged a candid discussion about his weaknesses.{{cite news |last=Fang |first=Lee |date=April 26, 2018 |title=SECRETLY TAPED AUDIO REVEALS DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP PRESSURING PROGRESSIVE TO LEAVE RACE |url=https://theintercept.com/2018/04/26/steny-hoyer-audio-levi-tillemann/?link_id=1&can_id=1ba27d10330c5ba97dcdb8dc6623001a&source=email-secret-audio-of-steny-hoyer&email_referrer=email_343049&email_subject=secret-audio-of-steny-hoyer |work=The Intercept |access-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427115835/https://theintercept.com/2018/04/26/steny-hoyer-audio-levi-tillemann/?link_id=1&can_id=1ba27d10330c5ba97dcdb8dc6623001a&source=email-secret-audio-of-steny-hoyer&email_referrer=email_343049&email_subject=secret-audio-of-steny-hoyer |url-status=live }} On November 28, 2018, Hoyer was selected to return as House Majority Leader.

Electoral history

{{Cite web|url=http://library.cqpress.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216220556/http://library.cqpress.com/|url-status=dead|title=CQ Press Library|archive-date=February 16, 2016|website=library.cqpress.com}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27957 |title=MD - District 5 - Special Election Race - May 19, 1981 |website=Our Campaigns |access-date=August 23, 2010 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024014852/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27957 |url-status=live }}

In June 2012, after Hoyer announced his support of same-sex marriage, his daughter Stefany Hoyer Hemmer came out as a lesbian in an interview with the Washington Blade.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/maryland-politics/post/steny-hoyers-daughter-comes-out-as-a-lesbian/2012/06/06/gJQAxSvLJV_blog.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Ben | last=Pershing | title=Steny Hoyer's daughter comes out as a lesbian | date=June 6, 2012 | access-date=September 15, 2017 | archive-date=March 12, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144755/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/maryland-politics/post/steny-hoyers-daughter-comes-out-as-a-lesbian/2012/06/06/gJQAxSvLJV_blog.html | url-status=live }} A widower for 26 years, Hoyer married Elaine Kamarck, a Clinton administration official and the director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution, in June 2023.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Is Cardin announcement imminent? Political players search for clues, prepare for '24 |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/04/16/is-cardin-announcement-imminent-political-players-search-for-clues-prepare-for-24/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 16, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/06/22/hoyer-at-dem-gala-dont-write-any-obituaries/ | title=Hoyer at dem gala: 'Don't write any obituaries' | date=June 23, 2023 }}

Judy Hoyer was an advocate of early childhood education, and child development learning centers in Maryland have been named in her honor ("Judy Centers").{{cite web|url=http://www.judycenter.com/|title=The Judy Center website|access-date=November 18, 2006|url-status=live|archive-date=March 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301050058/http://www.judycenter.com/}} She also suffered from epilepsy, and the Epilepsy Foundation of America sponsors an annual public lecture in her name.{{cite web|url=http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/appropriations.cfm?renderforprint=1&|title=Epilepsy Foundation announcement of Judith Hoyer lectureship program|date=January 28, 2002|access-date=November 18, 2006|website=Epilepsy Foundation|archive-date=October 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028163608/http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/appropriations.cfm?renderforprint=1&}} Steny Hoyer, too, has been an advocate for research in this area, and in 2002 the Epilepsy Foundation gave him its Congressional Leadership Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutus/pressroom/n031502a.cfm|title=Epilepsy Foundation Recognizes the Honorable Steny H. Hoyer For Longstanding Support|date=March 26, 2002 |website=Epilepsy Foundation |access-date=November 18, 2006 |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214050627/http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutus/pressroom/n031502a.cfm}}

Hoyer serves on the board of trustees for St. Mary's College of Maryland and is a member of the board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, a nonprofit that supports international elections.{{cite web |url=http://www.ifes.org/who-we-are/board |title=Board |website=International Foundation for Electoral Systems |year=2018 |access-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705211521/http://www.ifes.org/who-we-are/board |url-status=live }} He is also an Advisory Board Member for the Center for the Study of Democracy.{{Cite news|url=http://www.smcm.edu/democracy/the-people/advisory-board/|title=Advisory Board - Center for the Study of Democracy|work=Center for the Study of Democracy|access-date=July 6, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427115949/http://www.smcm.edu/democracy/the-people/advisory-board/}}

Hoyer is a member of a Baptist church.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/nation/wide-variety-of-baptists-other-faiths-found-in-111th-congress/|title = Wide variety of Baptists, other faiths found in 111th Congress|date = January 5, 2009|access-date = April 2, 2022|archive-date = May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512112956/https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/nation/wide-variety-of-baptists-other-faiths-found-in-111th-congress/|url-status = live}}

On August 13, 2024, Hoyer suffered a mild stroke.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House Democratic leader, is recovering from mild stroke |url=https://apnews.com/article/steny-hoyer-stroke-congress-democrat-19417c5178e482c7c46482c35a931238 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=AP News |language=en}}