MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER
With Memorial Day quickly approaching, I wanted to update you on several recently passed and enacted pieces of legislation that will directly impact residents of the 5th Congressional District.
Memorial Day and Veterans
This Memorial Day we remember the more than 4,000 courageous men and women who have died in Iraq and the 500 we have lost in Afghanistan - 77 altogether from the State of Maryland. Our thoughts are also with the 32,000 soldiers wounded in these conflicts, and the family and friends struck by the loss or pain of a loved one or missing someone who is far from home. In remembering the fallen, we must also take this opportunity to renew our efforts to keep our promises to those still with us. That is why supporting our troops, military families and veterans has been - and will always be - a top Congressional priority. Click here to read my Memorial Day message.
Gas Prices
This week, the President signed legislation spearheaded by Congress to provide relief at the pump by temporarily halting new purchases for the nation’s stockpile of crude oil – the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This action will make available an additional 70,000 barrels of oil a day, while maintaining enough reserve to meet our national security needs. The SPR – which is 97 percent filled - has been tapped or suspended before when oil prices have risen and experts predict that this temporary suspension could potentially reduce gas prices by 5 to 24 cents a gallon.
This action is one of many the Congress is taking to address the rising price of gas and invest in America’s long-term energy future. Click here for a one-page summary.
Chesapeake Bay
I am also pleased to report that $438 million in new federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay has become law. The funds, which were included in the federal Farm Bill, will help farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed control erosion and reduce sediment and nutrient levels, which will in turn help enhance, restore, and conserve this ecologically significant habitat. The Farm Bill legislation was vetoed by the President this week, but was later overridden.
As always, thank you for allowing me to share this update with you. If there is anything you wish to share with me or bring to my attention, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely yours,
Steny H. Hoyer
NEWS UPDATE
House Package Will Aid Maryland Military Families and Veterans
As the nation prepares for Memorial Day, the U.S. House approved a package of eleven bills aimed at investing in the health and future of America’s military families and veterans.
Read news release
House Passes Legislation Aimed at Investing in Alternative Energy, Lowering Gas Prices
With the price of oil soaring past $130 per barrel, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer joined a majority in the U.S. House to approve two measures aimed at addressing America’s immediate energy needs and investing in the nation’s long-term energy future.
Read news release
Click here for a one-page summary
Hoyer Statement on House Override of Farm Bill Veto
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer released the following statement after the U.S. House voted to override the President’s veto of the Food and Energy Security Act, which includes $438 million in conservation funding for the Chesapeake Bay.
Read news release
Read New York Times story
House Passes Landmark Housing Legislation to Help Struggling Homeowners and Strengthen Economy
In response to a housing crisis that has led to record foreclosures and shaken the broader economy, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer joined a large bipartisan majority in the U.S. House to approve landmark legislation that will help struggling homeowners in Maryland, address sagging home values across the State and work to stabilize the flagging housing market.
Read news release
Watch Floor Speech
Read LA Times story
