February 29, 2024 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer delivered remarks today at the National Treasury Employees Union's (NTEU) 2024 Legislative Conference. Following his remarks, Congressman Hoyer was honored with an honorary membership to NTEU. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery: Image “Thank you, President Greenwald – you’ve done a terrific job during your first year in your important new position. “And thank all of you for your tremendous and essential service to our nation as federal employees. Every day, you make America work For The People. You provide crucial services to countless families in need. You uphold our national security. You implement and enforce the laws of the land. You ensure that the food we eat, the medicine we take, and the roads we drive on are safe. “Your work is anything but ‘nonessential.’ Too many of my colleagues across the aisle, however, treat your work that way when they threaten to impose shutdowns like the one looming before us. Congressional Republicans have shut down our government for some 81 days in the past three decades. “81 days in which paychecks went undelivered. 81 days in which workers like you were furloughed or forced to work without pay. 81 days of uncertainty for you and your families. That’s 81 days too long. “Now, Republicans risk adding to their disgraceful tally with another shutdown. Democrats and I will do everything in our power to prevent them from doing so. “I’m proud to help lead that effort not simply because I represent over 80,000 federal workers in Maryland’s Fifth District. No, I fight for our federal workers because you are some of the most dedicated, talented, and principled people in America. “That’s why I speak out whenever Republicans try to target your salaries with the Holman rule, threaten your job security with Schedule F, or attempt to cut your pay and benefits through the appropriations process. You ought to be praised – not vilified and punished – for all you do to make America succeed. “It is not you who have failed to do your jobs, but rather Congress that has failed to do its own. Congress’ most basic responsibility is to keep the government funded so that it can serve the American people effectively. The far-right’s refusal to work with us to that end is a dereliction of duty. “Americans – and you most of all – deserve better. Just as Congress has an obligation to fund the government, it also has a duty to make the federal government a model employer. You deserve not only to have your paycheck arrive on time but for it to be competitive with those in the private sector. The same goes for your health, retirement, and other benefits. “As a part of that effort, I helped push for the 5.2% cost-of-living increase for federal workers in 2024 that President Biden established with his executive order last December – the largest COLA since 1980. Crucially, I will keep fighting to strengthen your collective bargaining rights. “Whether it’s for remote work or paid family leave, you ought to have the chance to advocate for yourselves in the workplace just like everyone else. For our nation to excel, it needs to be able to recruit the best and brightest people to serve in its government. People like you. “Your work is essential, you are essential, so these reforms are essential. You deserve elected leaders who will help you push for these critical policies. Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration will continue to do so every chance we get. They have your back, and so do I. “When we fight for a better future for our federal workers, we fight for a better future for the nation they serve. “I appreciate all the NTEU does to support our shared cause. Thank you, and I look forward to continuing our essential work.” Image Image
