House Majority Leader Hoyer optimistic about party unity

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer held his weekly pen and pad briefing today, calling this morning a “historic morning,” following last night’s victory by Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) over his democratic presidential nominee opponent, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.).

Hoyer discussed the news of Obama’s presumptive nomination along with the schedule for the week ahead. Hoyer said he anticipates the Democrats still being able to achieve “party unity” despite talk of a divided Democratic party.

Hoyer, when asked if he endorses Senator Obama for the presidency, said he “supports” the Senator. and is unequivocally optimistic for party unity. He said that both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton have broad support so they will cooperate closely in the future. Hoyer said that he hopes for the party’s focus to now turn to defeating Senator John McCain (R-Azl) in November and changing the nation’s direction.

On House issues, Hoyer mentioned that he hopes the House can pass a revised Foreign Intelligence Security Act (FISA) bill and an improved war-veteran benefit bill by the end of the week.