Politics & Government
State, National Leaders Honor Rep. John Dingell's Service to Michigan
The Dearborn resident is the longest-serving member of the U.S. Congress in the nation's history.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, Jr. officially became the longest serving member of Congress on Friday.
He was elected 57 years ago to serve the state of Michigan at the ripe young age of 29, and has been re-elected to his position every two years.
Known by his colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate as "Big John" for his 6-foot-3 stature and his sometimes imperious demeanor, Dingell has had measurable success with key bills he has authored.
Highlights from his career include:
- Support of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
- Author of the the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act and the 1973 Endangered Species Act.
- Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 1981 to 1994.
“During his 57 years in Congress, John Dingell has been a champion for civil rights, clean air and clean water, and affordable health care. Most of all, he has been a champion for Michigan and its people. He has worked tirelessly to advance the interests of our state and all Michiganders," Snyder said.
“The United States and Michigan have been truly fortunate to have John Dingell serving them. He has brought great honor to himself, our state and our nation and continues to build on his historic legacy of leadership and service."
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow also took time out on Friday to congratulate Dingell, posting on her Facebook page:
"John has dedicated his life to serving the people of Michigan and fighting for that which he believes in, and we are all thankful for the important work he has done and continues to do."
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin said Dingell's advocacy for legislation benefiting Michigan's seniors is one of the defining characteristics of his term in office.
“Congratulations to Congressman John Dingell on the latest in five decades of accomplishments. John is a remarkable figure not primarily because of his historic length of service, but because of what he has done for America with his time in Washington. If you are a senior who depends on Medicare, a worker who punches a clock, or an American who wants clean air, water and land, you are a beneficiary of John’s extraordinary legislative legacy," Levin said.
President Obama said he planned to meet with Dingell next week to personally congratulate the congressman on his accomplishments.
"John has always worked tirelessly for the people of his beloved Michigan and for working families across America. He has helped pass some of the most important laws of the last half-century, from Medicare to the Civil Rights Act to the Clean Air Act to the Affordable Care Act, and he continues to fight for workers’ rights, access to affordable healthcare, and the preservation of our environment for future generations to enjoy. Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to John and his family," Obama said in a written statement.
Dingell currently serves the 12th Congressional District of Michigan and has not announced plans to retire in 2014.
What's your favorite memory of John Dingell? Tell us in the comments.
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