RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE STENY HOYER

On 2026-01-08, Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE STENY HOYER" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE STENY HOYER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [House] [Page H139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE STENY HOYER (Ms. Pelosi of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. 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 Congress. He still has another year. He still has another year, and I know a lot will come. I join the gentleman in saluting Elaine, Stefany, Susan, Anne, and Judy. Judy--we loved Judy when she was here, and now we rejoice in the gentleman's happiness with Elaine. My colleagues, we all know that Steny Hoyer has been a pillar of strength in 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 in his remarks of how it was when he came here. Many of us were here at that time. We didn't get along because we always agreed; we got along because we respected the differences that we brought in representing our districts. It was a very positive time, which he harkened us back to and challenged us to return to. I thank Steny. Mr. Speaker, his deep knowledge of the institution, 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 not only been 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 is when I got to know him. I was just out of school. He was in law school. 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, and we wish them every happiness in the years ahead. Steny has been a leader to us and a mentor to many. He has really been an example of leadership and can be viewed as one of the most substantial, respected Members of Congress in the history of this body. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Hoyer for his leadership. ____________________