Dreier Honored as "Protector of Property Rights"

July 7, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas,CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, was honored recently as a "Protector of Property Rights" by the Property Rights Alliance (PRA). The property rights organization presents the award to members of the House of Representatives who vote to support issues deemed important by the property rights community.

"Property rights have always been key to what makes America great," Dreier said. "Whether it’s an economic incentive or a move to protect the rights of property owners, I believe we must do all we can to ensure the American dream remains a possibility for everyone."

Votes rated by PRA this year included a vote on free trade (which included significant intellectual property protections for participating nations), reform of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and votes to address eminent domain abuse following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision last year in Kelo v. City of New London. The property rights organization double-rated a vote on the passage of the "Property Rights Protection Act of 2005", which seeks to curb eminent domain abuse by withholding all federal economic development funds from states and localities that engage in abusive practices for two years. Additional votes included estate tax repeal and federal land ownership.

"These key votes were the most critical for the property rights community in the first session of the 109th Congress," said Scott A. LaGanga, executive director of Property Rights Alliance. "The property rights community, composed of stakeholders in the defense of both intellectual and physical property rights, can identify which Members are their allies. Representative Dreier is more than an ally in this battle; Dreier is a ‘Protector’."