WASHINGTON – Steny Hoyer, who represents all of southern Maryland in the U.S. House of Representatives, was overwhelmingly named House Majority Leader for the 110th Congress today by a vote of 149 to 86. House Majority Leader is the number two position of power behind the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (Calif.).
With this election, Hoyer becomes the highest ranking member of Congress in Maryland history.
Hoyer's office this afternoon released the following statement regarding today's victory:
"I am deeply honored that my Democratic colleagues have given me the opportunity to serve as their Majority Leader. I greatly look forward to working with them to take our state and nation in a new direction.
"Democrats are going to change the way things are done in Washington by restoring civility, honesty and integrity.
"Among other things, we intend to raise the minimum wage, implement all of the bipartisan 9-11 commission recommendations, cut college costs, make prescription drugs more affordable, and urge President Bush to change course in Iraq.
"I will also use my seat at the leadership table to fight for the priorities and values of hard working Maryland families. I will continue to support federal employees, protect the Chesapeake Bay, and bring economic development to our state.
"Democrats and Republicans have a historic opportunity to work together and help solve the complex problems facing our country. As Majority Leader, I look forward to meeting these challenges head on."
We have the audio from today's victory speech on Capitol Hill (.wav file, 2.67MB).