Jan 2

Jan 2 The Road Ahead

Prince George’s Suite Exclusive: Congressman Steny H. Hoyer: Looking Forward To The State Of Maryland in 2018

Below are Congressman Steny H. Hoyer’s (MD-05) responses to Prince George’s Suite Magazine and Media on what the New Year will mean for Maryland after a tumultuous 2017.

1. What are 5 hopeful initiatives or developments that Maryland residents can expect in 2018?

2017 has been challenging year for many in our community, but I am hopeful that 2018 will bring many new and important developments to Maryland.

Despite recent setbacks, I remain confident that a new, consolidated FBI headquarters will come to Prince George’s County.

I’m glad that legislation to establish the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission was signed into law in 2017, and I look forward to the work the Commission will do in 2018 to get WMATA back on track and help it regain the trust of its riders.

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. PHOTO: AMIR STOUDAMIRE // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

With the passage of the Modernizing Government Technology Act in 2017 and the establishment of the Technology Modernization Fund, we can now begin the process of upgrading our aging federal government technology systems, which will make it easier for federal employees to do their jobs more efficiently.

The opening of the new Business Incubator in Southern Maryland represents a new partnership between our military installations and the private sector, and will strengthen our local economy.

I also look forward to another successful year of the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, or “Judy Centers,” full-service community schools which provide education and social service programs together under one roof.

2. What are 3 most significant challenges that Maryland will face in 2018?

The Republican tax bill, which was recently signed into law by President Trump, will have dramatic and long-term consequences for many families in our state. Not only does it raise taxes on thousands of working families, but it adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years. In 2018, I’ll continue to look for ways to mitigate the harmful impact this legislation will have on families in Maryland.

While Republicans unsuccessfully tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017, the Trump Administration consistently worked to undermine the law. Instead of working to pass bipartisan legislation to ensure more Marylanders have access to quality and affordable health care, the Administration took steps to destabilize health insurance markets. In 2018, I will continue to fight efforts to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act and I will continue to push my colleagues to work together to take action to strengthen the ACA and stabilize markets.

The government was almost shut down four times in 2017, and that left the federal civilian workforce in limbo. Despite continued and relentless attacks by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress, our dedicated federal employees come to work each day to inspect the food we consume, protect our nation’s borders and keep our nation healthy. In 2018, I will continue to advocate for pay parity for our federal civilian workforce and continue to be an outspoken advocate for the committed men and women who serve their nation.

3. What are your top agenda items for 2018?

In 2018, I will continue to do my best to represent the people of Maryland's Fifth Congressional District. I'll continue to work hard to protect access to affordable health care for all Marylanders, protect the promise of Social Security and Medicare, protect the pay and benefits of our hardworking federal workforce, and ensure our children have access to the education and skills training that will help them get ahead.

We must also work to ensure more families have a secure place in the middle class. That's why I joined with House Democrats to launch the Make It In America listening tour in late 2017. This next year, I look forward to continuing the tour to hear directly from our fellow Americans to find new ways to address the economic challenges faced by families in Maryland and throughout the nation.

As the second session of the 115th Congress begins, I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle on a bipartisan basis to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of all Marylanders.