Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement today after former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (CA-32) announced that he will be retiring from the House of Representatives at the end of this year: 

“Kevin McCarthy and I served together in Congress for over sixteen years. For much of that time, we both held leadership positions within our respective parties. Anyone who has watched one of the many weekly colloquies that he and I participated in over the years knows that we have very different views on policy and often disagree with each other’s decisions. Despite our differences, however, we became friends. His ouster from the speakership and his decision to retire from the House are the product of a Congress in which polarization has become the norm and trust the exception.  

“Kevin and I found consensus on a number of issues over the years. I traveled with Kevin to Israel last spring as a part of the House's longstanding bipartisan effort to strengthen our vital U.S.-Israel relationship. That bipartisan cooperation to support Israel is crucial now more than ever before. We also worked together to bring this institution that we love into the twenty-first century by cohosting the annual Congressional Hackathon and by establishing the House's Technology Modernization Fund. These efforts have helped the House better serve the American people and will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Additionally, Kevin and I helped bring Democrats and Republicans together to help Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands rebuild after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and to strengthen the islands’ infrastructure against future disasters. 

“Kevin faced challenging circumstances as speaker. When possible, I did what I could to help him navigate them so that the House could function in a bipartisan manner. Although Kevin did not always agree with my advice, I appreciated his willingness to hear my perspective. We had our disagreements, but in many instances when the stakes were high for our nation, Kevin did what was right for the country. I wish him well as he sets out on this new path and look forward to working with him in the future.”