National Security

Keeping America safe is Congress’ most important duty. Democrats are focused on strengthening U.S. national security, defending democracy, and restoring America’s leadership in the world.

Democrats are committed to enhancing our national security and advancing key American interests, while supporting human rights and democratic values at home and abroad.

In the 117th Congress, Democrats passed a bipartisan defense authorization bill that strengthened our national security, ensured our military personnel have the resources they need to defend our country, and bolstered our allies and international interests. In the 118th Congress, Democrats will build on these gains by continuing to help President Biden keep Americans safe.

We will continue to work with the Administration to provide our diplomats and our troops with the tools needed to carry out their missions abroad safely and effectively. This will include continuing to work with our allies to ensure Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine ends in defeat for Putin, that America maintains its competitiveness against China’s authoritarian challenges, and that the world is free from threats posed by Iran.

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Hoyer Statement on Apparent Terrorist Attack in Berlin

The people of Berlin and all of Germany are in my thoughts and prayers tonight. 

Hoyer, Conyers, Engel, Thompson, Cummings, Smith, & Schiff Joint Statement Calling for a Comprehensive Investigation of Russian Interference in the 2016 Election

Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G.

Hoyer Statement on the Nomination of Rex Tillerson to Serve as Secretary of State

I am very disappointed at the nomination of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State. 

Hoyer Statement on CIA Assessment of Russian Interference in the Election

Reports of a CIA assessment that Russia tried to sway our election through hacks and then selectively releasing information are extremely alarming. 

Hoyer Statement on the Nomination of Gen. John Kelly to Serve as Secretary of Homeland Security

I look forward to learning more about Gen. John Kelly, his record of service to our nation in uniform, and his readiness to take the helm of a civilian agency as large and as challenging as the Department of Homeland Security.  

Hoyer, National Security Ranking Members Send Letter to President Obama Urging Briefings on Russian Interference in U.S. Election

Citing concerns that “Russia may have succeeded in weakening Americans’ trust” in our democratic institutions through its actions, the authors of the letter call attention to the hacking of American organizations, publication of private emails sent to or from campaign officials, as well as disclosures by WikiLeaks and fabricated news stories.  

Hoyer Statement on White House Report on Use of Military Force

Today, the Obama Administration took important steps to increase transparency and accountability when it comes to our nation’s use of military force and the doctrines governing our military actions.  

Democrats in Congress Will Continue to Fight for the Needs of Americans Across the Country

This week, I was pleased to receive the support of my colleagues and be elected by acclamation as Democratic Whip for the 115th Congress. 

Hoyer Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report

I’m glad to support this defense authorization bill, which includes important provisions to strengthen our military so it will continue to be well prepared to meet the global security challenges of the twenty-first century.  

Hoyer Statement on the Nomination of Gen. James Mattis to Serve as Defense Secretary

I welcome the nomination of Gen. James Mattis to serve as our nation’s next Secretary of Defense.