Dreier: Bipartisan Victories Create Jobs,
Economic Growth

May 3, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, today praised the leadership of House Speaker Dennis Hastert for leading the House to a string of bipartisan victories aimed at creating jobs and sustaining the economic growth that’s been occurring since the end of 2001. Dreier pointed to several votes in the House that have enjoyed bipartisan support.

“From a comprehensive energy policy to bankruptcy and class action reform to permanently eliminating the death tax, this Congress has been on a roll,” Dreier said. “The plain fact is, the Republican agenda is working for the American economy and it’s enjoying bipartisan support. Thanks to the tax relief we implemented in 2001 and 2003, we are seeing results and building on that success. We welcome the support of Democrats who want to help us move America forward. There is great deal of work ahead of us, but we have gotten off to a tremendous start. America’s working families will see a difference thanks to these votes.”

Among the bipartisan victories achieved so far this Congress have been bankruptcy reform (S. 256) with 302 votes, including 73 Democrats; class action reform (S. 5) with 279 votes, including 50 Democrats; border security legislation (H.R. 418) with 261 votes, including 42 Democrats; a permanent repeal of the death tax (H.R. 8) with 272 votes, including 42 Democrats; and an energy bill (H.R. 6) with 249 votes, including 41 Democrats.

Dreier specifically noted the importance of the border security legislation, which is expected to be approved later this week as a part of an Iraq/Afghanistan supplemental appropriations bill. “Border security is national security, and we know the importance of a strong national defense to our economy. Terrorists hit our economy once before. We cannot allow them do so again.”

He also expressed hope for continuing bipartisan victories as the Congress continues its work, including the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). “Currently, DR-CAFTA countries have open access to our market while their high tariff barriers limit access for American goods and services,” Dreier said. “Now we have an opportunity to achieve immediate 80 % tariff reduction, and ultimately complete elimination over 10 years once we approve the DR-CAFTA. That will translate into yet another victory for American businesses, workers, and consumers.”