Recognizing the Honorable Steny Hoyer
Floor Speech
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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my primary remarks, for which I was going to rise, I reflect on 18 years ago when I came into the House of Representatives.
Some of my staff had been on the Hill for, actually, a couple of decades at that point.
My chief of staff said: If there was ever a Democratic Member of Congress who literally represents the term ``statesman,'' it is Steny Hoyer.
He truly is. He has not failed at that task, and so I offer my congratulations on his announced retirement and my thanks for his service as a statesman, especially at a time of what we have been living through, of growing divisiveness. Year in Review
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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight some of the great work that my office delivered in 2025 that was reflected in my year-end report.
Last year was full of legislative victories. From ensuring more milk options in public schools to making certain that rural schools receive the funding that they need, we continue to deliver for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.
I was proud to lead the charge to bring whole milk back into our schools, push for the largest investment in American agriculture in a generation, advocate for career and technical education, and establish a Federal regulatory framework for digital assets like cryptocurrency.
On the policy front, I helped to ensure the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. I secured numerous provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which benefited American agriculture, as well as a provision authorizing Workforce Pell Grants.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will soon be signed into law, and the House approved both my Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 and the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025.
At home, I was honored to nominate seven exceptional students to our Nation's service academies, celebrated a talented young artist, and delivered more than $6.1 million in Federal funding for nine excellent community projects.
My office responded to more than 81,000 constituent letters, answered nearly 8,000 phone calls, and closed nearly 1,600 constituent cases, helping folks navigate the Federal agencies and Federal bureaucracy.
The most rewarding part of being a Representative is helping individuals and families get the assistance that they need. Throughout the year, my staff hosts office hours across the 18 counties in the 15th Congressional District to assist constituents with issues related to the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, and other Federal agencies. Appointments are not necessary, and I am pleased that we are available to help those in need. Personally, I hosted over 1,200 meetings in 2025 and sponsored and cosponsored 183 bills.
Mr. Speaker, as many around the Capitol complex know, I often come to this floor to share good news from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. I spoke 91 days on the House floor in 2025, delivering 120 speeches. I am glad to have had the ability to communicate with my constituents in this way and to recognize their achievements.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the people of the 15th Congressional District for allowing me the privilege to be their voice in Congress, and I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead. I look forward to working hard in 2026 to continue to earn their support.
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