National Security & Veterans

Congressman Hoyer believes that a Member of Congress’s highest duty is to keep America safe, strengthen our national security, and protect our homeland from attack. He is a leader in Congress on national security issues, has advocated for smarter and stronger policies to step up the fight against terrorist organizations that would do us harm, and remains unwavering in his commitment to the members of our armed services.  He is also a strong supporter of investing in programs that adequately equip our first responders for response to potential domestic attacks and increase protections at our ports and borders.

Congressman Hoyer has been the lead advocate for Southern Maryland’s military installations at the federal level and was instrumental in the BRAC process in preserving 9,000 jobs at Patuxent River Naval Air Station while adding over 5,000 new jobs; protecting 3,000 jobs at Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center; and securing the future of Webster Field, St. Inigoes. Hoyer has worked closely with the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, the Indian Head Defense Alliance, the Patuxent Partnership, the Chambers of Commerce and local officials working to ensure that these three military installations are protected. 

Congressman Hoyer is a strong advocate for our veterans, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that America’s veterans receive the respect, care, and benefits they earned through their service to our nation. While Congressman Hoyer has strongly supported historic increases in funding for the Veterans Administration, improving the quality and efficiency of care in our nation’s VA facilities, he is also a strong proponent of accountability in how the VA spends those resources.

Congressman Hoyer worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs Baltimore Regional Office on improving the claims process for Maryland veterans to ensure they receive their benefits in a timely manner and with fewer errors. He is also dedicated to eliminating homelessness among veterans. He worked to secure funding to assist nearly 200 veteran families who are homeless or at risk for homelessness in St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert Counties. Additionally, he joined the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland and other stakeholders to ensure an accurate count of the homeless population in the Fifth District, which was critical to receiving additional housing vouchers for homeless veterans.

Hoyer Urges Soldiers Affected by Stop Loss to Collect Retroactive Pay Before Deadline

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) reminded service members whose service was extended under stop loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan that they have until October 21, 2010 to apply for retroactive pay. Troops eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended. The Department of Defense estimates that 145,400 troops are eligible. However, only 58,000 claims have been paid out thus far.

Hoyer Statement on POW/MIA Recognition Day

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement on POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is observed on the third Friday in September.

Hoyer Statement at 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Saint Paul wrote: 'We fix our eyes not on things that are seen, but on things unseen; for what is seen passes away, but what is unseen endures.' As long as we live, each September we will mark an anniversary of loss: of the day we saw monuments of our power and pride turn to dust; of the day so many we loved were taken from us in an instant; a day of fear and anger that is becoming, with time, a day of remembrance and resolve.

Hoyer Statement on 9/11 Anniversary

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released a statement today, commemorating the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Hoyer Statement on 9/11 Anniversary

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today, commemorating the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Hoyer Announces Investments in Southern Maryland Military Facilities

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that the Fiscal Year 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act approved today by the House contains significant investments for projects and programs that will benefit military facilities in Southern Maryland. Funding will go to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Patuxent River, and Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Indian Head, MD, for needed facility upgrades and additions that will not only enhance our nations defense capabilities, but also provide for Southern Marylands continued economic growth.

Hoyer Delivers National Security Speech at CSIS

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered remarks this morning on Democrats record on national security and a comprehensive security strategy that uses all of our tools to keep Americans safe at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

Majority Leader Hoyer Delivers National Security Speech at CSIS

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered remarks this morning on Democrats record on national security and a comprehensive security strategy that uses all of our tools to keep Americans safe at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

Hoyer: Pax River Aircraft Prototype Facility a “Major Milestone” for Pax Capability

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) spoke this morning at a dedication ceremony for the new Aircraft Prototype Facility (APF) at Patuxent Naval Air Station, for which Rep. Hoyer helped secure $17.9 million in federal funds within the FY2008 military construction appropriations bill. The new APF will further enhance testing capabilities to streamline the pre-production process and elevate Pax Rivers role in the supporting the warfighter.