Pelosi Honors Steny Hoyer on House Floor: “One of the Most Respected Members in the History of this Body.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor honoring the retirement of former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and recognizing his more than four decades of service to the people of Maryland and the United States Congress.
In her remarks, Pelosi praised Hoyer’s patriotism, mastery of the legislative process and steadfast commitment to America’s working families, calling him a pillar of strength for the House of Representatives.
Pelosi also reflected on their long personal and professional relationship, describing Hoyer as both a trusted partner in leadership and a dear friend and celebrating his legacy of decency and devotion to country.
Watch Pelosi's Floor remarks here.
Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi's Floor remarks below:
Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Mr. Speaker, today is a day of joy, but also a day of some sadness that our great leader, Steny Hoyer, has announced his retirement from the Congress.
You still have another year Steny. You still have another year, and I know a lot more will come. I join you in saluting Elaine, Anne, Stefany, Susan – and Judy. We loved Judy when she was here and now we rejoice in your happiness with Elaine.
My colleagues, we all know that Steny Hoyer has been a pillar of strength for the House of Representatives and a champion for the people of Maryland for more than four decades.
His patriotism, mastery of the legislative process and steadfast commitment to America’s working families have left an indelible, positive mark on our nation.
Steny has been a steady presence in our caucus and the Democratic leadership and a valued colleague. He has been a great leader in bipartisanship in this body.
He spoke of it in his remarks, how it was when he came here. And it was at that time when many of us were here that we didn’t get along because we always agreed. We got along because we respected the differences that we brought representing our districts.
It was a very positive time, which he harkened us back to and challenged us to return to. Thank you, Steny.
His deep knowledge of the institution and respect for its traditions and commitment to public service have earned him the admiration of colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Personally, Steny has been not only a trusted partner in leadership, but a dear friend.
He mentioned the presidency of John F. Kennedy. When President Kennedy was president, Steny and I worked in the office of Danny Brewster of Maryland. That’s when I got to know him. I was just out of school. He was in law school. And sadly, sadly, we saw the assassination of the President and that was a horrible thing.
As he concludes his extraordinary leadership and service in the Congress, we celebrate his legacy of decency and devotion to our country. He has been just so remarkable.
Our gratitude to him and his family is boundless. We wish them every happiness in the years ahead.
Steny, you have been a leader to us. You have been a mentor to many.
You have been really an example of leadership, and perhaps can be viewed as one of the most substantial, respected Members of Congress in the history of this body.
Thank you for your leadership.
I yield back the balance of my time.