[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.

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