Rep. David Dreier, a California Republican who chairs the House Rules Committee, plans to retire this year after 16 terms,
The Hill reports.
“We all know that this institution has an abysmally low approval rating, and the American people are asking for change in Congress, and so I’m announcing today that I will leave the Congress at the end of this year,” Dreier said jokingly as he announced his retirement during remarks on the House floor.
Seven other House Republicans have announced their retirements this year. He is the fourth Republican from California not seeking re-election.
Being a “proud institutionalist” spurred his decision to announce his retirement from the floor, Dreier said.
“I believe that this institution is as great as it has ever been,” he said. “And I announce it here because . . . this is where the people of California sent me to represent them.”
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