Post by bot on Nov 20, 2016 17:29:54 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:
Last week’s election demonstrated the extent to which Americans are deeply frustrated by and distrustful of our government institutions, and the anxiety they feel over a changing economy that they believe has left them behind. We will begin the 115th Congress with a Republican President and a Republican-led Senate and House. It will be up to us, as House Democrats, to represent the over 50% of Americans who did not vote for the President-Elect, to stand up for our values, and to oppose policies that will take our nation backward.
I’ve spoken to Members of our Caucus about the election and how we move forward from here. Members are rightly frustrated and angry. We’ve now had several election cycles with disappointing results, and we must take a serious look at why that’s the case. We clearly cannot keep doing the same thing cycle after cycle and expect a different result. It is imperative that we bring younger, more diverse members into the decision-making process.
In my conversations with Members, I’ve heard that you want experienced leaders who are open to change and willing to embrace new policies and messages that will resonate with more Americans. You’ve said that you want leaders who can unite our Caucus, who will oppose Republican policies that will harm our nation, and who will convey a compelling message to the American people. That is why I am running for Democratic Whip in the next Congress, and I look forward to serving this Caucus.
In the 114th Congress, I have been proud to work effectively as the Whip. I’ve listened to your thoughts and concerns, and that has helped keep our Caucus united on key votes. I’ve worked to empower younger Members as leaders on our Whip team. We executed a successful strategy to reopen the Export-Import Bank over the objections of Republican leaders. We have defended against relentless Republican attempts to repeal and undermine the Affordable Care Act. I’ve also worked to adopt new technology to make our operations more efficient and effective; we now run an electronic whipping program, and I’ve launched an app that provides Members – and the public – with real time House Floor updates and other helpful information.
As the Democratic Whip in the 115th Congress, I will keep engaging Members across the Caucus in our effort to represent the majority of Americans who sided with us in this election, while continuing a dialogue with those who didn’t. One of our most significant challenges will be to renew the American people’s faith in their government. As this election showed us, we clearly need national redistricting reform and campaign finance reform. We must also keep working to address the economic anxiety that so many people feel. Seventy-seven House Democrats joined me over the course of three hearings to discuss how to update our Make It In America jobs plan to address the challenges posed by a rapidly-changing economy. Those hearings resulted in a new Make It In America plan with new ideas to help all Americans get ahead. I believe we must keep talking to Americans about the pain they feel and the work we are doing to ensure everyone can get ahead in our changing economy.
Over the coming days and weeks, I look forward to speaking with you and hearing your thoughts on how we will successfully fight for what we believe in during the 115th Congress. While we are disappointed by the election results, giving up is not an option. We have real opportunities to make progress and to make our case to the American people, and I am energized and ready to get to work.
With thanks and warmest regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
STENY H. HOYER