July 19, 2023 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – This afternoon, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressmen Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), at a media availability with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott at the U.S. Capitol following a meeting with Members of the Maryland Delegation. Below is a transcript of Congressman Hoyer's remarks: “I want to say to the Mayor—Mr. Mayor, I tell mayors all over the country, the toughest job in America is the mayor of a big city. If you're a legislator, [you can say] he did it, she did it, the other party did it or whatever, or the President did it or whatever—if you're the mayor, there's nobody to point to—you're it. And in Brandon Scott, they have chosen a mayor who is capable, active, engaged, focused. “I was not here, Mr. Mayor, to hear your testimony, but I had staff here and I'm going to review what you had to say, and from the time I was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 1967, I've worked closely with Baltimore mayors. Why? Because the city is the heart of our state. “I live in St. Mary's County, which is the most southern county on the Western Shore, but I know that Baltimore's health, Baltimore's well-being, Baltimore's safety, the safety of its citizens is critical to the citizens that I represent in the Fifth Congressional District. “So Mr. Mayor I'm pleased to be here with you, and when we talk about Team Maryland—we mean it. Your mayor, your other constituents. Congressman Ruppersberger and Congressman Mfume have constituents, the Senator has constituents, I have constituents, but very frankly, whether it's a federal, state, or local level, they all believe we are all there serving them. They're not this constituent, that constituent— they are our residents of Baltimore City, of our counties, and of our state, and I am pleased to be here, Mr. Mayor. “I wanted [to come by], even though Mr. Ruppersberger and I just came from an appropriations markup, where we are cutting investment in America. We're defunding America— it's not a good thing. “But the good news was, for the last two years, we have made extraordinary investments in America. Congressman Mfume mentioned, and the Senator mentioned, and probably you talked about the [Bipartisan] Safer Communities Act that we passed, to invest in local communities for the safety of all our constituents. “Because it's not just local, it's not just state, it's not just federal. It is us working together as a team, and that's what this discussion was about, and it's an ongoing discussion with the mayor. “And I'm pleased, Mr. Mayor, to be with you to let you know and reiterate that I have for over 50 years been committed to working with the mayors, the councils, and the city in making sure that all of our people are safe, that all of our people are experiencing a growing and vibrant economy. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you very much.”