Congressional Leaders Honor Dingell as Longest-Serving Member of Congress

Leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate held a celebration to recognize Rep. John Dingell of Dearborn as the longest-serving member in the history of the U.S. Congress on Thursday.

Dingell has served 57 years in the House. He was elected in November 1955 and took office on Dec. 13, 1955.

Vice President Joe Biden joined members of Congress to honor Dingell for his "dignity" and "respect for people."

"The thing that gives me such great pride is that this recognition today is going to a man whose character and the way he carries himself is totally consistent with the way he's remembered by each generation," Biden said. "He believes that every single solitary man and woman deserves to be treated with dignity.

"Everyone talks about what a constant gentleman you are. But it's more than being a gentleman. It's about demonstrating respect for people."

The speech capped off an afternoon of celebration in recognition of Dingell's service in Congress. 

"You really can’t put a number on what it means to enjoy the respect and admiration of your peers — which, more than anything, is why we’re here today for John," House Speaker John Boehner said. 

"If John has taught us anything, it’s that a legacy is not something you can just conjure up or acquire. A legacy is something you make. And John Dingell – using only the tools God and country have provided him: freedom, purpose, conviction – has been a master craftsman at work … carving out a legacy of leadership and perseverance, or – to speak more in his dialect – a legacy of working your butt off," Boehner said.