Speaker Dennis Hastert, born January 2 1942 in Aurora Illinois, earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Wheaton College in 1964 and his masters in philosophy of education from Northern Illinois University in 1967. Hastert spent the first 16 years of his career teaching government, history and economics at Yorkville High School, and it was there that he met his wife, Jean, a fellow teacher. In addition to teaching, he coached football and wrestling, eventually leading the Yorkville High School Foxes to victory at the 1976 Illinois State Wrestling Championship.
Hastert started his political career with three terms in the Illinois General Assembly. From there served as Chairman of the House Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs and Criminal Justice. Hastert then took on the role of Chief Deputy Majority Whip in the 104th Congress and was responsible for advancing common sense legislation to the House floor by working with members to develop achievable policy strategies, lining up support and counting Republican and Democrat votes to ensure passage. His reputation is one characterized by reaching across the aisle to develop bipartisan legislation.
On January 6, 1999 Hastert was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives- the third highest elected official in the U.S. government. During his tenure as Speaker, Hastert focused his efforts on lowering taxes, improving education, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and fortifying our national defense. In response to the tragic attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, he was instrumental in passing important anti-terrorism legislation and historic legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security—the most significant restructuring of the federal government in the last 50 years. Dennis Hastert is the longest-serving Republican Speaker in History.