HASTERT, John Dennis

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object

1942–

Office

Representative, Speaker Of The House

State/Territory

Illinois

Party

Republican

Congress(es)

100th (1987–1989), 101st (1989–1991), 102nd (1991–1993), 103rd (1993–1995), 104th (1995–1997), 105th (1997–1999), 106th (1999–2001), 107th (2001–2003), 108th (2003–2005), 109th (2005–2007), 110th (2007–2009)

Leadership Positions

Speaker of the House - 106th, 107th, 108th, 109th

Fast Facts

J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois was elected Speaker in 1999 following the resignation of Newt Gingrich of Georgia. Hastert had never served in a top leadership position prior to becoming Speaker.
Hastert was the first Republican Speaker since Joe Cannon to preside for four consecutive Congresses. In terms of total days served, Hastert is the longest-serving GOP Speaker.
Hastert oversaw the House of Representatives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and during the October 2001 anthrax emergency.

[ Top ]

Concise Biography

HASTERT, John Dennis, A Representative from Illinois; born in Aurora, Kane County, Ill., January 2, 1942; graduated from Oswego High School, Oswego, Ill., 1960; B.A., Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill., 1964; M.S., Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill.,1967; teacher; athletic coach; business owner; member of the Illinois state house of representatives, 1980-1986; elected as a Republican to the One Hundredth and to the ten succeeding Congresses until his resignation on November 26, 2007 (January 3, 1987-November 26, 2007); Speaker of the House (One Hundred Sixth through One Hundred Ninth Congresses).

View Record in the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

[ Top ]

External Research Collections

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Springfield, IL

Papers: 1981-1986, 4 linear feet. The collection contains correspondence, press releases, and memoranda primarily concerned with contitutents' views on legislative issues and Dennis Hastert's work on various committees and commissions in the Illinois House of Representatives. Organized into six files: Subject File, 1981-1982; Constituents' Correspondence File, 1981-1986; Subject File, 1981-1986 [1983-1986]; Bill File, 1985-1986; Correspondence File, 1984-1985; and Correspondence File, 1985-1986.

Wheaton College
Archives & Special Collections, Buswell Memorial Library

Wheaton, IL

Papers: ca. 1882-2007, 201 linear feet.. The J. Dennis Hastert Papers are organized into six series and several sub-series: Committee/Subject Files, House Leadership/Speaker files, Correspondence, Personal/Office files, Press files, and Media. Committee/Subject Files include various Congressional committees and issues pertinent during Hastert's tenure in office: Agriculture, Drugs, Economy, Environment, Foreign Affairs, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, National Security, Social Security, Telecommunications, and Transportation. House Leadership/Speaker files include appointments, floor operations, and Republican Conference and Steering Committee issues. Personal/Office files include special events, travel and Congressional Delegations, Gifts & Memorabilia. Media includes thousands of photographs and dozens of audio/video holdings. A finding aid is available in the repository and online.

[ Top ]

Related Media

Busy Life of a Speaker

Download

View details

Speaker Hastert discusses the hectic schedules of modern-day Speakers of the House.

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Interview recorded May 1, 2012 – Deed of Gift

Symbolism and the Speakership

Download

View details

Speaker Hastert explains the symbolism in his portrait.

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Interview recorded May 1, 2012 – Deed of Gift

Making Difficult Decisions

Download

View details

Speaker Hastert discusses the role of the Speaker in a time of great uncertainty.

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives