Post by bot on Nov 5, 2014 19:37:42 GMT -5
Hoyer Announces Bid for Democratic Whip
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) sent the following letter to all Democratic Members today to announce his bid for Democratic Whip:
Dear Democratic Colleague:
This week’s election showed that the American people are frustrated by the dysfunction of the Congress, and polls show that they are discontent with the direction of our country. They want progress which improves their lives and our country. Now that Republicans control both chambers of Congress, they will have to put forward their own ideas, rather than just being the party of “no.” Where we can, we should work with Republicans to get things done for our constituents. But we will also hold them accountable for their policies that tell the American people: “you’re on your own.”
As we start to plan for the 114th Congress, I’ve spent time speaking with Members of our Caucus about our vision for the next two years. In those discussions, I’ve heard from many of you that we need to have a united Caucus, led by a strong leadership team, that will show the American people what we stand for while making progress with Republicans where we can. That is why I am running to be the Democratic Whip in the 114th Congress, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Caucus.
Throughout the 113th Congress, I believe I have worked effectively as the Whip to listen to the input of our Members, keep our Caucus united, and convey our message to the American people. I’ve worked to keep the Caucus united on key votes that addressed critical issues. Democrats unanimously opposed the draconian Ryan budget that would have harmed the most vulnerable Americans. We were unanimous in our opposition to the partisan resolution by Republicans to sue the President. We voted unanimously against the severe cuts to the SNAP program that provides critical nutrition to families. And we were united against Republican attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have taken away critical benefits and patient protections that Americans are already seeing.
As the Democratic Whip in the 114th Congress, I will continue to seek your thoughts and ideas as we work to address the issues confronting our nation. Democrats understand that working families are concerned that a secure place in the middle class is out of their reach. That is why we will keep fighting to strengthen the middle class by advancing the Make It In America plan to create jobs and strengthen domestic manufacturing, pursuing an increase in the federal minimum wage, advocating for equal pay for equal work, and increasing access to an affordable, quality education. We need to take action to reform our broken immigration system. We must also work to ensure our nation is on a sustainable fiscal path, and that deficit reduction does not come on the backs of the most vulnerable. And we will continue our fight to protect voting rights, so that all Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote.
I look forward to continuing to speak with you in the days ahead about your thoughts for the 114th Congress. I greatly appreciate your support, and I want to thank you for everything you have done to strengthen our Democratic Caucus.
With thanks and warmest regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
STENY H. HOYER