David Dreier (R-Calif.)

Illegal Immigration

In 2004, Dreier saw support slip in his district when he was attacked during a tough re-election campaign as soft on illegal immigration; the charges came after the Republican opposed legislation to reimburse state and local governments for services rendered to illegal immigrants, supported increasing the number of work visas given to immigrants, and even hinted at approval of amnesty for all current illegal immigrants.

After re-election, Dreier took a more hard-line stance, working with Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) on the Real ID Act, which increased penalties on employers of illegal immigrants and prevented states from issuing drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants.

The Military

Dreier advocated all of President Bush's military endeavors, including the Iraq war. He has constantly objected to efforts to divert spending from that war and the war in Afghanistan, often blaming Democrats for endangering the odds of eventual victory.

International Relations

Dreier tends to support improving relations with countries when a potential economic benefit is expected; for example, he has led several efforts to improve trade relations with China, including proposals that passed in 2001 and 2002 to promote trade.. He has also touted the economic benefit of bolstering emerging democracies, and led the House Democracy Assistance Commission to cooperate and coordinate with the legislatures of such democracies.Kerry,

Ethics

In 2006, Dreier pushed a package strengthening regulations related to lobbying reform that passed the House, but eventually failed in the Senate. In 2007, he supported the Democrats - who had just become the majority party - as they pushed through their own ethics-reform package.

Health Care

Dreier is a vigorous opponent of President Obama's health-care overhaul efforts, and all single-payer systems in general. He has instead spoken often on the merits of portable medical savings accounts, believing the market efficiency at work in such a plan would allow for more consumer choice.

The Environment

Like other California Republicans, Dreier is fairly green for his party, and gives broad support to environmental initiatives. He recently voted to give vouchers to car buyers who upgrade their vehicles to more fuel-efficient models.

Gay Rights

Dreier voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004, which would have amended the Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman; he argued that the Constitution shouldn't restrict anyone's rights.

However, his record since has enraged the gay community, as he supported the Defense of Marriage Act, which says the federal government recognizes marriage as between a man and a woman; voted against allowing homosexual couples to adopt children in Washington, D.C.; and voted against the Matthew Shepard Act including homosexuals in the definition of a hate crime and in employment discrimination.

Dreier's record on gay rights was spotlighted in a highly-controversial 2009 documentary by director Kirby Dick, "Outrage," which "outed" Dreier as a supposedly "closeted" homosexual. Dreier refused to respond to the allegations in the documentary; he has previously vigorously denied similar accusations.

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