Congress, Dist. 5
Steny Hoyer (D)
Q. How long do you see the commitment of U.S. troops in Iraq lasting?
Our men and women in uniform have performed magnificently, carrying out their mission with unmistakable skill and valor. But Iraqi leaders are simply not taking advantage of the reduction in violence to create the political reconciliation necessary for Iraq to become a stable, secure nation capable of true democratic reform.
Without the commitment of Iraq’s government to pursue real political change, the U.S. commitment cannot continue. Consistent with his word, the president should work with Congress to end America’s open-ended commitment in Iraq, starting with the safe and responsible redeployment of our troops. I have voted several times over the past year to begin this redeployment immediately.
Q. What role does Congress play in averting a national economic recession?
In recent months, it has become clear that the economy is experiencing a period of significant slowdown. Congressional Democrats and Republicans are working on a bipartisan economic stimulus package to jumpstart our sluggish economy and provide relief for millions of American families who have been squeezed by worsening economic conditions.
In short, this stimulus will put money into the hands of hard-working Marylanders to give them the help they need, and, at the same time, stimulate the economy. We do not know if this stimulus will keep our economy out of recession. But economists do tell us that a recession is more likely without a stimulus, thus we must act.
Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, we have also taken steps to address our nation’s long-term economic health, including enacting the first increase in the minimum wage in 10 years; an energy bill which invests in clean energy and innovative new technologies; a series of tax credits to spur our small businesses; an investment in higher education; and legislation to help Americans impacted by the subprime mortgage crisis.
Q. Southern Maryland relies on federal funding for its military bases and other projects. How can you ensure that funding will remain as robust as it currently is?
Over the years, Southern Maryland has benefited greatly from the continued successes of our military installations, its relative proximity to our nation’s capital, and its high quality of life.
As a senior member of the House of Representatives and working in partnership with the Department of Defense, I have been successful in securing millions of dollars in federal funding to bolster Patuxent River Naval Air Station, St. Inigoes and Indian Head NSWC, as well as funding to meet the needs of our growing community.
This includes significant investments in transportation, public safety, education, economic development and the preservation of our priceless natural resources. I will continue to build upon these successes to ensure that Southern Maryland continues to thrive.
Q. What is the federal government’s role in setting educational standards for Southern Maryland schools?
In my view, the appropriate goal for the federal government is to require states to set high standards in core academic areas, such as math, reading, science and history. The federal government should require states to hold all students to the same high achievement standards, regardless of race, ethnicity, income level or disability. State and local communities should report the achievement levels of all student demographic groups to parents, teachers and the public.
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