HOYER REMARKS AT DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Whip Says Democrats Will Help America
"Achieve the Full Measure of Its
Greatness"
BOSTON, MA - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D. Md 5th) will deliver the
following remarks Monday evening at the Democratic National Convention in
Boston.  The remarks below are as prepared for delivery.  Rep. Hoyer also
will serve as Parliamentarian during the Convention:
"Good evening.  As we gather to nominate John Kerry for President, I am
pleased to tell you that the Democratic Caucus in the House of
Representatives is more unified than it has been in four decades.
"That consensus was built on the basis of a positive agenda committed to
enabling working Americans to realize their hopes and aspirations; to
insuring that America is safe at home, and strong and respected throughout
the world; to honoring our pledge to the greatest generation, who defended
freedom and returned to build the greatest economy the world had ever seen;
to investing in those who will be responsible for preserving and expanding
America's promise; and to again restoring fiscal responsibility to our
federal government so that we may fulfill our commitment to both those
generations and those yet to come.
"In 99 days, we're going to elect John Kerry - a son of this wonderful city
- as the 44th President of the United States and John Edwards as Vice
President.
"And on that same day, Democrats are going to win majorities in the United
States House of Representatives and the Senate.
"And, together, we will create a consensus for progress, responsibility and
community that will lift our country and all its people to new levels of
safety, security and success.
"Today, millions of families struggle just to keep the American dream in
sight.  They face the worst record of job creation since the Great
Depression, and they're being squeezed by health care costs, college
expenses and record high gasoline prices.
"The Republican Party has had its chance.   Yet, can anyone say that we are
better off than we were four years ago?
"We Democrats are confident that we can - and will - lead this nation to
achieve the full measure of its greatness.  Then, and only then, will we
proclaim, "Mission Accomplished."
"With John Kerry as our Commander in Chief, we will protect the American
people at home, confront our enemies abroad, promote freedom and democracy,
and restore this great nation's good name.
"John Kerry's courage and strength were forged on a battlefield half a world
away.  And in the great tradition of Democratic leaders who preceded him, he
is committed to a national security policy that sends a clear message to
both friend and foe: The United States of America will oppose every enemy of
freedom and work with every friend of peace.
"We also will fight for fair economic policies that promote growth and
extend opportunity to all of our citizens; for fiscal responsibility; and
for a fairer and simpler system of taxation.
"And, we believe that morality demands that our generation not put its
purchases on our children's tab, and that we not rob Social Security's
resources and endanger the retirement of our parents.
"Our Democratic Party will continue to honor and promote the values that
have steeled the American character, inspired our national experience, and
lifted us to new heights - faith, family, hard work, personal
responsibility, and love of country.  John Kerry and John Edwards learned
those values growing up, and they live by them today.  And they are the
values that will continue to guide us.
"Forty-four years ago, our 35th President stirred our nation with the
confident and optimistic assurance that, together, there is little we cannot
do.
"President Kennedy said: "The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring
to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it - and the glow
from that fire can truly light the world."
"Today, Democrats, that fire burns anew, and it illuminates for all our
citizens the principles that animate the soul of America.
"As Democrats have always done, John Kerry and Democratic majorities in the
House and Senate will spark again the torch of America's greatness and
goodness.  We believe that America's greatest days are yet to come."