David Dreier (R-CA-26)

David Dreier California District 26

David Dreier, Biography from House.gov

Biography of Congressman David Dreier

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, keep taxes low, 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. 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. As the youngest Rules Chairman and the first from California, Dreier plays a pivotal role in fashioning all legislation for debate in the House. He continues to serve as the Chairman of the Rules Committee and in the Republican Leadership as a voice for reform and oversight in Congress. In May 2001, Dreier was unanimously selected by his California colleagues to chair the state’s Republican Congressional Delegation, a position he continues to hold. As Chairman, he leads California’s House Republicans on critical statewide issues.

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. The reform package included stronger penalties for breaking the rules, online public access to lobbyist disclosures, and more rigorous ethics training in Congress.

Dreier consistently wins 100 percent approval ratings from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the National Retail Federation for his support of small businesses. He has repeatedly been honored with the Hero of the Taxpayer Award by the Americans for Tax Reform. The Sierra Club has honored him with the Clean Air Award and he was honored by the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority for his outstanding leadership and contributions to groundwater cleanup. For his work to bring about bring about a change in Mexico’s extradition policy, Dreier was awarded the Outstanding Service Award by Justice for Homicide Victims. He has also received the Spirit of Life Award from the City of Hope for his efforts in support of cancer research, and was the inaugural recipient of the City of Hope’s President’s Award recognizing his commitment to the advancement of science and care for patients with cancer.

He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the board of the International Republican Institute. Dreier is the founding chairman of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP), which works directly with the legislatures in 12 countries around the globe, helping to build democratic institutions in new and re-emerging democracies.

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 economic opportunity, secure borders, and effective government.

Biography from Dreier for Congress

David Dreier stands for a free economy, limited government, a strong national defense, and personal freedom. Since his election to Congress, Dreier has fought to reduce taxes for working families, create opportunities for economic growth and strengthen the security of our borders.

Receiving his bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College and his master’s degree in American Government from Claremont Graduate University instilled in Dreier a fierce commitment to protect the U.S. Constitution and our founding documents. He is a vocal advocate for the protection of the freedoms first laid out by our Founders.

Dreier has established a record as a proponent of growing the economy through economic liberty, entrepreneurship and innovation. Named one of the Ten Most Economically Literate Members of Congress, Dreier has used his position as the top Republican on the powerful House Rules Committee to champion fiscally responsible policies that create economic opportunity for all. As a believer in a limited government, Dreier is a voice for reform and fiscal discipline in the House of Representatives.

During his time in Congress, Dreier has proudly represented the Foothills of California and the western portions of San Bernardino County. He has consistently worked to ensure proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Guided by simple, yet solid principles, Dreier has established himself as a leader and respected advocate for personal liberty, economic freedom, and a limited government in Congress.

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