At the same time, Republicans are helping Hoyer keep House Democrats united, by daring to be seen as the party of "no." Shortly before final House approval of the stimulus package, which every Republican voted against, Hoyer delivered a partisan scolding from the floor of the chamber as members of both parties looked on.
Glaring at the Republican side, Hoyer traced the years of the George W. Bush administration and likened them to the pre-Depression Herbert Hoover era.
"Well, my friends, we did it your way. In 2001, in 2002, in 2003, in 2004, in 2005, 2006, 2007 and in 2008. And we had the worst job performance of any administration since the late 1920s and early 1930s," Hoyer said. "Some would like to stay on the same path, pursuing the same failed policies. The sign of a good person and a good legislator is to say, 'I moved in this direction and it didn't work, and so I'll change directions.' "
