Tax and Appropriations

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in observance of Veterans Day tomorrow, November 11:

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) today praised the inclusion of $65 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) Program and $650 million for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program in the fiscal year 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report. As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Hoyer helped establish and fund both of these federal grant programs to assist fire departments across the country.

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer released the following statement in strong support of the effort by Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) to end the “military widows tax.” Rep. Edwards led the Democratic fight to force the Republican leadership to reverse the reduction of military survivors’ benefits annuities, which currently begins when the survivor reaches 62. The reversal is included in the Department of Defense Reauthorization Conference Report, which is expected to pass the House today:

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Caucus Chairman Bob Menendez, and Assistant to the Democratic Leader John Spratt to denounce the failed Republican Congress which is expected to limp out of town today after failing on policy, politics and ethics:

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer spoke on the House floor today in opposition to the flawed and fiscally irresponsible Republican FSC/ETI Conference Report. Instead of aiding American manufacturers and protecting American jobs, the bill is loaded down with billions of dollars for special interests and tax loopholes. The following is Rep. Hoyer’s statement as prepared for delivery:

...failed to pass 12 of 13 appropriations bills...

Judiciary, DNA Testing, 9/11 Reforms

Continuing Resolution, Transportation Extension...