Serving the people of Maryland's Fifth Congressional District has been the focus of Congressman Steny Hoyer's professional life for more than two decades. And during that time, he has earned the respect of his constituents, as well as both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and in Maryland, as an effective, common-sense leader who get things done.

Today, Congressman Hoyer fights, first and foremost, for policies that strengthen America's national security and that protect our homeland and citizens. He also is a strong proponent in Congress for fiscal responsibility because he believes that we should not force our children and grandchildren to pay this generation's bills. Thus, he supports tax relief for working families that is paid for. He also is an advocate for the traditional values that make America great - faith, family, love of country, hard work and personal responsibility.

Congressman Hoyer is now completing his 12th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, making him the longest-serving Member of the House in Southern Maryland history. In November 2002, his colleagues in the Democratic Caucus unanimously elected him to serve as the Whip, the second-ranking position among House Democrats. In this leadership post, his ability to advocate for the interests of his constituents in the Fifth Congressional District has only been increased.

Congressman Hoyer is the only member of the House from Maryland to sit on the Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funds each year. He serves on the Transportation-Treasury Subcommittee (he is the former Chairman and Ranking Democrat), and the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee.

As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Hoyer has secured funding for numerous important projects in the Fifth Congressional District and throughout the State of Maryland. In addition, he has worked to ensure that the military bases in the District survived base closings and thrived, and he continues to be a leader for economic development, job creation and the protection of Maryland's precious natural resources.

On the foreign policy front, Congressman Hoyer is a well-recognized champion for the cause of human rights, individual freedoms and religious liberties. He is the former Chairman and Ranking Democrat of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission), which advocates on such issues in Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union.

In addition to performing his duties as the Whip, Congressman also serves on the House Democratic Steering Committee, which makes committee assignments for House Democrats. He also served as the Chair of the Democratic Caucus -- the fourth-ranking leadership position among Democrats - from 1989 to 1995.

Steny Hoyer was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 1966. In 1975, at the age of 35, he was elected President of the State Senate, making him the youngest Senate President in Maryland history. He served in that capacity for three years. He also served as a member of the State Board of Higher Education from 1978-1981.

Congressman Hoyer has always been dedicated to higher education, and currently serves on the Naval Academy Board of Visitors and the St. Mary's College Board of Trustees. He also is a former member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

Steny Hoyer graduated from Suitland High School in Prince George's County. In 1963, he graduated from the University of Maryland with high honors, and earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1966. He and his wife, the late Judith Pickett Hoyer, have three daughters, Susan, Stefany, and Anne, and three grandchildren, Judy, James Cleveland and Alexa.