Representative Steny Hoyer, Democratic from Maryland

Steny Hoyer

Representative · Maryland · Democrat

Steny Hoyer

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, one of the proudest moments of my time in public service was sponsoring the Americans with Disabilities Act and seeing it through to enactment. I was honored to work closely with House and Senate colleagues, leaders like Bob Dole, Tom Harkin, Tony Coelho, Steve Bartlett, Orrin Hatch, and Ted Kennedy, just to name a few. We passed it on a bipartisan basis, and it was signed into law by President George Bush in 1990. This month, we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the ADA. In those 36 years, that law has made a transformative difference for millions of Americans.
36th ANNIVERSARY OF ADA··Share
I would say to my friend who just spoke, whom I have great respect for: Nothing in this bill contradicts the concerns that he raised. They are consistent with the concerns he raised, and, in fact, they present a forward movement on the concerns that he raised. Mr. Speaker, to paraphrase General Eisenhower, the eyes of the world are upon us. Since Putin launched his perfidious invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the House has taken 12 votes to support the Ukrainians in defense of their freedom, of their sovereignty, and of international law.
UKRAINE SUPPORT ACT··Share
Biography
Steny Hoyer began his public service as a civil rights advocate before entering politics. Elected to represent Maryland’s 5th Congressional District in 1981, Hoyer has prioritized economic development, federal workforce support, and access to health care. As House Majority Leader, he played a key role in passing the Affordable Care Act and securing federal infrastructure investments for Maryland. Hoyer’s leadership reflects a commitment to responsive governance, working to ensure his district’s concerns are addressed at the national level.
Education
  • Honorary Doctor of Public Service, University of Maryland
    1988
  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC
    1966
  • B.S., University of Maryland, College Park, MD
    1963
Professional History
  • U.S. Representative

    1981-Present

    Representing Maryland's 5th district

  • Member, State Board for Higher Education

    1978–81

  • Chairman, Prince George’s County Senate Delegation

    1969–75

    (chairman, 1967–69)

  • Member, Maryland Senate

    1967–79

    (president, 1975–79)

  • Practicing Attorney

    1966–90

    (admitted to the Maryland Bar Association, 1966)

Policy Focus
Congress64%
International Affairs14%
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues14%
Public Lands and Natural Resources7%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Steny Hoyer's record in Congress.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibiting discrimination based on disability.

  • Federal Employee Pay Equity

    Championed pay equity and benefits improvements for federal employees, including the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990.

  • Renewable Energy Funding

    Secured increased federal funding for renewable energy research and development through annual appropriations.

  • House Majority Leader Leadership

    As House Majority Leader, led passage of major legislation including the Affordable Care Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Committee Assignments
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  • House Committee on Appropriations

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