Floor Statements
Currently showing only: Foreign Affairs
November 29, 2012
We are deeply disappointed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to seek symbolic non-member observer status through the General Assembly of the United Nations. We have long believed the only way to achieve a two-state solution is through direct negotiations leading to a peace treaty fully accepted by both governments and both peoples. We are concerned that today’s unilateral action by President Abbas represents a repudiation of the Oslo Accords and a setback for the peace process. To be clear, non-member observer status puts the Palestinian people no closer to achieving statehood, and may in fact set back this goal by inflaming tensions and making already difficult negotiations even harder.
November 16, 2012
“Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today from both sides of the aisle to stand with the people of Israel in support of their sovereign right to defend themselves against Hamas terror.
August 1, 2012
“First I want to rise and thank Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for her continuing leadership and focus on this important issue, as she does on so many other issues as well.
May 15, 2012
I thank the gentleman from California for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. Rep. Howard Berman has been the leader in Congress when it comes to reminding us how important it is to prevent the rise of a nuclear Iran. He has been instrumental in securing funding for the deployment of the 'Iron Dome' anti-missile system to counter the threat from Iranian-supplied short-range rockets in the hands of terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
July 7, 2011
Last month, the House voted against defunding the American military mission in Libya. That was the right decision, and it still is: along with our NATO allies, we intervened in Libya in response to Moammar Gadhafi’s violent repression of his own people, and the explicit promise of worse to come. It's also important to remember that Gadhafi has more American blood on his hands than anyone other than Osama bin Laden. And we must remember that we intervened in response to calls from the Arab League, the United Nations, the European Union, and a unanimous NATO.
July 6, 2011
I believe that there is only one lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a future of two states for two peoples, living in security and peace with one another. Such a solution is in the best interests of regional peace, and in the best interests of both parties to the conflict. That is why I strongly believe that ensuring the long term viability of the Jewish, democratic state of Israel also requires supporting a homeland for the Palestinian people.
June 24, 2011
In recent months, people across the Middle East have bravely stood to demand that their governments respect their fundamental rights. The Libyan people, who have been subject to the dictatorship of Moammar Gadhafi for more than four decades, were among those who insisted that enough was enough. Gadhafi responded by unleashing widespread violence and threatening countless lives—publicly promising to go ‘door to door’ to kill those who stood against him.
December 15, 2009
Every Member in this chamber understands the deep danger inherent in a nuclear Iran.
November 4, 2009
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer spoke at a Helsinki Commission event this morning marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
November 3, 2009
I rise to voice my objection to the unbalanced and inaccurate Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, otherwise known as the Goldstone Report.
January 9, 2009
Today this House stands united in support of Israel as it faces enemies bent on its destruction.
December 4, 2008
Some awards mark a job well done. This one marks a responsibility that endures: our responsibility to an ally and a friend, a partner for peace and a fellow democracy, the State of Israel; our responsibility to stand by Israel and the Jewish people in a world where friends so often seem outnumbered by threats.
November 13, 2007
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) this morning to release a report by the Joint Economic Committee on the real costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
October 20, 2006
Staying the course’ is not a strategy, nor is sitting on the sidelines hoping that the Iraqis will eventually forge a political solution...
October 20, 2006
We write out of a deep sense of concern that the situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate and that there is no effective plan for improvement...
October 17, 2006
If anything, the Military Commissions Act is not tough enough on terrorists because there is no certainty the act will withstand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court...
July 20, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) made the following remarks yesterday on the House floor in favor of the bipartisan House resolution condemning the recent terrorist attacks against Israel and supporting Israel's right of self-defense. The measure will be voted on today in the House.
May 22, 2006
WASHINGTON - House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer made the following statement on the House Floor tonight regarding the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act (as prepared for delivery):
November 18, 2005
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) made the following statement today on the House floor in opposition the resolution offered by Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Duncan Hunter (R-CA):
June 17, 2005
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) made the following statement on the House floor today in opposition to the Republican U.N. Reform Bill and in favor of the Democratic substitute:
February 2, 2005
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) today sponsored a bipartisan Resolution with House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (MO) to congratulate the Palestinian people for carrying out an historic and peaceful election and to congratulate the newly elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The text of Mr. Hoyer’s statement on the House floor is below:
October 7, 2004
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer spoke on the House floor today in support of the bipartisan intelligence reforms recommended by the 9/11 Commission and supported by House Democrats. House Republicans instead have chosen to back an alternative bill which excludes many of the Commission’s recommendations and fails to address serious threats to our nation’s security. The following is Rep. Hoyer’s statement as prepared for delivery:
September 10, 2004
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement in observance of the 3rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks:
June 23, 2004
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today regarding a bipartisan resolution he sponsored with House Majority Leader Tom DeLay:
June 17, 2004
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer today spoke out on the House floor in strong opposition to the FSC/ETI corporate tax bill, which at $150 billion, is laden with corporate tax breaks, extenders and other sweeteners that have nothing to do with reforming international tax law. The following is Rep. Hoyer’s statement as prepared for delivery:
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On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
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