Press Release

“I join in thanking my friend Secretary Ray LaHood for his leadership of the Transportation Department during President Obama’s first term.  I was privileged to have served with him during the fourteen years he represented Illinois’ 18^th District in Congress. Throughout his time in public service, Ray has consistently put policy before politics, and has worked in a bipartisan way on behalf of his community, his state, and our country. 

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) today announced that Stephanie L. Young will be joining his leadership office as Press Secretary. She joins Communications Director Katie Grant and Maryland Press Secretary Mariel Saez in serving as a spokesperson for Whip Hoyer. 

"Today, with a strong, bipartisan vote of 62-36, the Senate joined the House in helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Though I hoped Congress would have acted earlier, the passage of this legislation, now headed to the President for his signature, will provide much-needed assistance to the communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states hit hard by the storm.  Residents of these areas face significant ongoing challenges and are struggling to rebuild.  I look forward to seeing this bill signed swiftly into law."

"Fixing our immigration system remains one of America's most pressing challenges, one that impacts our economy and the very foundation of the American Dream. I agree that we must approach this issue in a comprehensive way that both secures our borders and allows those who are already here a fair path to apply for citizenship. This is especially true for the many who came here as children, through no fault of their own, and seek to be a part of building our country's future.

"I was saddened to learn that Senator Harkin will be retiring at the close of the 113th Congress. He has been a tireless advocate for Iowa families and for opportunities for all Americans in his nearly four decades on Capitol Hill.

“I congratulate Denis McDonough on being named as the next White House Chief of Staff.  As someone who has served President Obama since before his election in a variety of critical roles, he will bring to his new job a depth of experience.   In his current position as Deputy National Security Advisor, Denis has been instrumental in achieving the President’s foreign policy goals and keeping our nation safe from a range of threats from abroad.  I am confident that he will continue to provide President Obama with sound counsel and help him manage his Administration’s ongoing efforts to create jobs, address the challenge of our deficits, and protect our citizens from harm at home and overseas.

“I’m pleased by Secretary Panetta's announcement, in conjunction with the Joint Chiefs' decision, that women will be allowed to serve in combat roles. This is a long awaited change in policy, and reflects the fact that women have courageously served in our armed forces for years. As I said when the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was repealed, our military is made stronger when it welcomes the service of all brave Americans willing to fight for their country. This is another step toward a fully inclusive military, and our nation will be better for it.”

Thank you very much Leader Pelosi and thank you for your leadership. I am very pleased to join Gwen Moore and one of the few males that is standing here with all these wonderful Members of Congress who are women – Chairman Conyers. I am proud to join in reintroducing the Violence Against Women Act in the 113^th Congress.