Dreier Statement on Hastert Retirement Announcement

August 17, 2007

Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican issued the following statement after former Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) announced he would retire at the end of his term:

"Dennis Hastert's service in the House of Representatives will be remembered for many reasons - his decency, his common sense, his committment to the principles that guided his career, and his devotion to the institution. His early years as a teacher served him well as a Member and then as Speaker. He listened, he focused, and worked hard. Our majority achieved much under his leadership, including the reduction of taxes and the weathering of the September 11th attacks. Denny rarely sought credit for his accomplishments, but he deserves a great deal. I hope the remainder of his service is marked by the appreciation he deserves for his many contributions to the House."