Civil Rights and Equality

A Lifelong Passion. Steny Hoyer has always been deeply committed to civil rights, equality and fairness. In Congress, he was the principal House sponsor of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, landmark civil rights legislation that has helped millions of disabled Americans enter the workforce and the mainstream of American life. In 2001, Congressman Hoyer was the principal House Democratic sponsor of the "Help America Vote Act," comprehensive federal election reform legislation that is designed to protect the right of every American to vote and to ensure that every American's vote is counted. As the former Ranking Democrat and Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), Congressman Hoyer also is recognized as an advocate for democracy, human rights and religious liberties throughout the world.