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Steny Hoyer (D-MD)/caption
Steny Hamilton Hoyer was born on June 14 1939 in New York City New York and grew up in Mitchellville Maryland. His father was Danish and a native of Copenhagen while his mother was an American with Scottish German and English ancestry and a descendant of John Hart a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Hoyer graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park (B.A.
magna cum laude 1963) and Georgetown University Law Center in Washington DC (J.D. 1966).
He is an American attorney and politician serving as U.S. Representative for Marylands 5
th congressional district since 1981 and as House Majority Leader since 2019. A Democrat he was first elected in a special election on May 19 1981 and is currently serving in his 20
th term. Since 2003 Hoyer has been the second ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives behind Nancy Pelosi. He is a two-time House Majority Leader having previously served in the post from 2007 to 2011 under Speaker Pelosi. As a result of the 2018 midterm elections in which the Democrats took control of the House Hoyer was re-elected Majority Leader in January 2019 on the opening of the 116
th Congress remaining the number two House Democrat behind Speaker Pelosi.
Steny Hoyer is a great friend of Romania and frequent visitor over the years. Hoyer chaired Congress Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission) which fought for human rights and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. After 1989 he was a strong advocate of Romanias entry into NATO and today of its Strategic Alliance with the United States.
During the annual
ALIANŢA/The Alliance Gala in Washington DC on October 3 2019 held at the Conrad Hotel the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) received the 2019 Public Service Award.
Before his remarks on accepting the award Representative Hoyer was very gracious and accepted to grant me an exclusive interview.
1. Congressman Steny Hoyer you are the House Majority Leader. You are here to receive this years Public Service Award. What does this award mean to you?
Well I am very honored to receive this Award. I have worked with Ambassador Rosapepe who used to be the U.S. Ambassador to Romania. As a matter of fact I saw him in Bucharest when I was there. And the relationship between our two countries is a very significant and important one. I was pleased to support Romanias accession to both NATO and to the EU. And I think they the Romanians are a very critical partner. I also think their partnership makes them more secure as Putin and his company tends to be more acquisitive around the world. We saw what happened in Crimea. We need to make sure that doesnt happen any place else. But I am pleased to be here I am honored to be here.
2. Thank you so much Congressman. You are a great friend of Romania and frequent visitor over the years. How do you see the U.S.-Romanian cooperation at this point and the role of Romania in Europe as a partner of the United States?
Well as I said earlier I think Romania is an important partner strategically located. Its a democracy. I made a speech the other day about retaining our democracy making sure we defend against those who would compromise our democratic principles. I think the people of Romania are doing it and I urge them to continue to do so.
3. The last question Congressman. As a House Majority Leader how do you see finalized the process of impeachment investigation against President Donald Trump?
Well we look at all the facts still. Were going to make a very careful review of the facts here for witnesses to review documents. And we will make a decision that is consistent with the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America. This inquiry is ongoing because we believe the President has fallen short and he has betrayed his oath of office. He is responsible in to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws of our country and put at risk not only our national security but also the integrity of our elections. And if we find those facts to be true we will act accordingly.
4. Thank you so much Congressman.
Thank you were good.
(October 06 2019)
TIBERIU DIANU has published several books and a host of articles in law politics and post-communist societies. He currently lives and works in Washington DC and can be followed on MEDIUM.
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