Press Releases

America faces a massive budget challenge, which includes record debt brought on by eight years of Republican fiscal recklessness.

For 40 years, Earth Day has challenged Americans to exercise responsible stewardship over the natural environment. The challenge of Earth Day and the environmental movement has inspired countless Americans to take steps to reduce their impact on the planet, from recycling to driving more efficient cars. And it has inspired some of the most important legislation of our time, from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, to efforts to strengthen Americas energy independence and create green jobs.

Each year on Equal Pay Day, we recognize the work that has been done and the work that remains to end the unfair pay discrimination that women face in Americas workplace. Women continue to earn around 77 cents on the dollar compared to men, and especially during difficult economic times, it is unjust that a hard-working member of a family may not earn equal pay for equal work.

Today we honor the life of Dorothy I. Height, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Ms. Height died today at the age of 98, but she leaves behind her a long legacy of successful struggle to secure the rights of all Americans. As President of the National Council of Negro Women for four decades, Dr. Height spoke out passionately for racial and gender equality, and was instrumental in securing desegregated schools and public places, as well as voting rights for African-Americans.

The Anacostia Watershed Restoration Plan, a comprehensive set of goals and strategies to clean up the pollution and run-off that has made the regions Anacostia River one of the most polluted in the nation, was announced today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, joined by Members of Congress and other elected officials from Maryland and the District of Columbia, brought together by the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership. Called "Turn It Around," the Plan aims to reverse hundreds of years of environmental neglect of the area.

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced today that Maryland small businesses are eligible for new health reform tax credits and will be receiving a postcard from the Internal Revenue Service explaining the credits and encouraging them to take advantage of the tax cut.

Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke met today with local manufacturers to talk about the resources available to help them adopt sustainable practices to help reduce costs and their impact on the environment. The event, which is part of the Commerce Departments Sustainable Manufacturing American Regional Tour (SMART), took place at The Matworks Company, a retail flooring company in Beltsville, MD.

Starting immediately and throughout the coming year, our families, small businesses, seniors, and young Americans will begin to feel the real and positive impact of health insurance reform. The following interactive graphic will show you the benefits of the new law that begin within the first year.