Congressman Steny Hoyer was heard to say today that, “Obviously freedom of the press is absolutely essential.” This statement was made in response to a question regarding the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia.
“The Russian people need to know the truth, which is why they want to arrest reporters who tell people–they would not be for this carnage that Putin and his dictatorship has affected and the tragedy and war crimes that are being committed.”
One can almost hear the echoes of George Orwell’s “1984” in Hoyer’s words, as he extols the paramount importance of free speech and a free press in a world where truth is constantly under threat.
Earlier in the day, Hoyer had joined a group of fellow Democratic members of Congress outside the West Wing to discuss infrastructure investments being made in their districts. Speaking on this issue, he stated that, “These investments will grow our economy, grow our revenues, and bring inflation down, as the President’s budget and the Inflation Reduction Act is designed to do.”
When asked about the recent shooting at a Nashville school and President Biden’s call for an assault weapons ban, Hoyer did not mince his words. “It is intolerable, unacceptable, and the American people need to be angry,” he said. “We need to do away with these weapons and these magazines that allow this carnage to occur.”
Hoyer went on to emphasize the need for action, stating that “Moments of silence are not enough. Are they appropriate? Yes, to mourn those we’ve lost. But they are not enough to stop it, and that’s what we need to do.”
On the issue of the debt limit, Hoyer was unequivocal. “We cannot go over the debt limit. That would be unacceptable. And I hope that every responsible member of Congress, Republican and Democrat understands that.”
