Hoyer blasts GOP as irresponsible opposition

Republicans have acted irresponsibly during their time as a minority party in Congress, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) argued Monday.

In a speech before the Center for American Progress Action Fund, an advocacy group allied with the liberal think tank, Hoyer blasted the GOP for not only opposing Democratic priorities in Congress, but seeking to slow down the legislative process.

“No one expects Republicans to roll over for President Obama," Hoyer said, according to prepared remarks. "But the ‘Party of No’ strategy is so disappointing because the history of Congress is full of loyal oppositions that shared responsibility for governing in trying times and shaped some of the most important legislation of their eras."

"It is not asking too much for today’s Republicans to rise to those examples," the second-ranking House Democrat added. "The history of constructive minorities shows how much more we should expect and demand of them."

Hoyer pointed to Republicans' work in history on civil rights legislation as well as Medicare and Social Security bills as examples of the GOP's more constructive work while in the minority, and said it differed from the party's current approach to issues.

"Republicans again and again have chosen slogans and symbolism over constructive contributions," Hoyer said, accusing GOP lawmakers of choosing not to participate in debates on the stimulus and healthcare.

For their part, Republican lawmakers have long maintained that they were shut out of the process from crafting these bills. Leaders have complained that the White House has scarcely sought their input on healthcare or economic stimulus, and has rejected any GOP proposals offhandedly.

But the majority leader accused Republicans of "deep irresponsibility" in their approach to lawmaking this year.

"That is the deep irresponsibility of our minority party," Hoyer argued. “Today, when it matters so much, I hope that a principled Republican party will once again step up to its responsibilities."

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