Political Quotes

Steny Hoyer: “I agree that all of us together need to heighten expectations. I frankly think what happened in the 1970s, in the 1960s…”

On the recordMarch 5, 1998
I agree that all of us together need to heighten expectations. I frankly think what happened in the 1970s, in the 1960s in particular was that we lowered expectations of performance of ourselves and of others and somehow society did not feel it incumbent upon them to hold others accountable for that which they ought to be responsible for. I think this is one example, but it is a broader example than that. I frankly think under the gentleman's leadership, frankly I think under President Clinton's leadership in terms of talking about responsibility which he talked about in 1992 and which we followed through in this Congress, I think we are seeing much better performance, but we need to do much more.
Said by
Steny Hoyer
Democratic · Maryland

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the need to raise expectations and accountability in society.

Share

More from Steny Hoyer

Oct 19, 2026

The decision by President Trump to exempt Russia from energy sanctions is a betrayal of the bipartisan will of Congress - and of the American people - and a betrayal of his own action to impose tough sanctions on Russia just a month ago.

hoyer.house.gov
Oct 15, 2026

This shameful act must be reversed, and I call on SpaceX to ensure that Ukrainian forces have their full connection restored.

hoyer.house.gov
Oct 15, 2026

As we’ve said time and again, this Administration’s attempts to shutter BARC are not only unwise – they’re illegal.

hoyer.house.gov
Oct 14, 2026

Just as federal officials should always exercise sound judgment, care for individual rights, and respect for our Constitution in any encounter, no matter what directives they receive from political appointees.

hoyer.house.gov

Other voices in this conversation