House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Mechanicsville) issued the following statement today in support of the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.):

Over the last 18 months, Senator Barack Obama has energized and excited millions of voters who believe that our great nation must move in a new direction. He is the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, and I look forward to supporting his candidacy.

I would also like to recognize the incredible contributions of Senator Hillary Clinton, who has made our Party and our country so proud. She deserves the utmost praise for her life-long dedication to improving the lives of Americans and building a better future for our nation. It is my great respect for Senator Clinton that moves me to give her some time to address her future before making a formal endorsement of Senator Obama, which I expect to do in the coming days.

I have no doubt that Democrats will unite around our common values and our common goal of winning back the White House. Senator McCain has made clear he intends to continue the disastrous policies of the current administration. We cannot afford a third Bush term. I am confident the American people will enthusiastically concur and choose the "change that we can believe in" with a Democratic President in November.