Hoyer Earns Perfect Score on Civil Rights Record

WASHINGTON, DC - The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) recently awarded Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) with a 100 percent rating for his record on civil rights issues in the 110^th Congress. The LCCR reviews the voting record of all Members of Congress at the end of every session of Congress.

"There is no cause more integral to the American experiment than the protection of the freedoms and rights that we value as citizens of this great country," stated Rep. Hoyer. "I am proud to receive a perfect rating for my record on civil rights issues, and interpret this score as evidence that the 110^th Congress is on the right track in striving to protect and secure the rights of all Americans."

Hoyer continued, "I do believe, however, that with regard to civil rights, our work is never finished. Our commitment is one that requires continued perseverance in fighting for rights currently denied and vigilance to ensure against the erosion of the hard fought civil rights battles we have already fought."

In determining the 2007 Voting Record, LCCR recorded Congressional support for bills containing important civil rights protections, many of which Rep. Hoyer played a leading role in passing through the House.  Among these are the first federal minimum wage increase in ten years; the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to clarify workers rights in challenging a discriminatory paycheck; and efforts to insure 10 million low-income uninsured children through the Children's Health Insurance Program.

"When faced with challenges to our fundamental freedoms, our nation has responded to ensure the equal and fair protection of the rights endowed to us all as citizens of this country," stated Hoyer.  "From landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to the campaigns we find ourselves engaged in today, we have responded with an assurance that the protection and guarantee of civil liberties is among the most important duties bestowed upon our elected government."

LCCR is the nation's oldest, largest, and most diverse civil and human rights coalition. Founded in 1950, LCCR is currently made up of nearly 200 organizations representing persons of color, women, children, labor unions, individuals with disabilities, older Americans, major religious groups, gays and lesbians, and civil liberties and human rights groups. LCCR works to effect meaningful legislation, policies, and executive branch appointments, and to ensure the proper enforcement of civil rights laws to unite us as a nation true to its promise of equal justice, equal opportunity, and mutual respect.

The complete LCCR legislative report and Congressional scorecard can be found at http://www.civilrights.org/research_center/voting_scorecards/110.pdf