David Dreier was first elected to Congress in 1980 on a platform of free markets, limited government, strong national defense, and personal freedom. Throughout his service in the House of Representatives, Dreier has remained true to these principles as he has worked to secure the border, lower taxes, improve education, and promote democracy abroad. He has also been a stalwart supporter for a more cost-effective and accountable government.

Dreier was born on July 5, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he remains active in his family’s real estate investment firm. Dreier moved to California for college and never left. He graduated cum laude from Claremont McKenna College in 1975 and earned a Master’s degree in American Government from Claremont Graduate University the following year. From 1976 to 1978, Dreier served as Director of Corporate Relations for Claremont McKenna College. He also worked in marketing for a San Dimas industrial firm until his first election to Congress.

Dreier holds numerous positions of influence in the House. He became a member of the House Leadership when he took the helm of the powerful House Committee on Rules in January 1999. The youngest Rules Chairman and the first from California, Dreier plays a pivotal role in fashioning all legislation for debate in the House. In May 2001, Dreier was unanimously selected by his California colleagues to chair the state’s Republican Congressional Delegation. As Chairman, he leads California’s House Republicans on critical statewide issues. In September 2005, he was asked to temporarily assume some of the responsibilities of Majority Leader. His duties included working with Committee Chairman to advance legislative priorities.

As a leader for reform in Congress, Dreier has been at the center of efforts to promote good governance. He authored the 1995 congressional reform package that streamlined committee staff, promoted fiscal responsibility, created term-limits for committee chairman, and opened committee meetings to the public and press. In 2006, Dreier authored bold and comprehensive legislation to reform lobbying and ethics laws, which passed the House in May. The reform package included stronger penalties for breaking the rules, online public access to lobbyist disclosures, and more rigorous ethics training in Congress.

 

Dreier is also active and influential in California politics. He served as Governor Schwarzenegger’s campaign co-chair in 2003, and he helped prepare the Governor’s administration for office as head of the transition team.

Dreier consistently wins 100 percent approval ratings from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. In 2003 and 2004, Dreier was honored with the Hero of the Taxpayer Award by the Americans for Tax Reform and the Small Business Advocate Award by the Small Business Survival Committee. The Sierra Club has honored him with the Clean Air Award, and the National Federation of Independent Business has awarded Dreier the Guardian of Small Business Award. In 2006, Dreier was awarded the Outstanding Service Award by Justice for Homicide Victims for his efforts to bring about a change in Mexico’s extradition policy. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Friar’s Club.

Since 1980, Congressman Dreier has served his constituents with integrity and hard work. For the benefit of California and the nation, he remains steadfast in his commitment to promoting individual liberty, economic opportunity, secure borders, and effective government.