LANSING – Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) joined members of both parties today in the Michigan House in honoring U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell (D-Dearborn) for his many years of service to the people of Michigan. Today, Dingell became the longest-serving U.S. House member in history.
"John Dingell has been a tireless advocate for his constituents for over 50 years," Byrnes said. "Through his leadership on environmental issues, his support of quality affordable health care for all and his passionate work on behalf of Michigan's auto industry, he has been an inspiration and an example of everything a legislator should be. His list of accomplishments is great, and his work on behalf of the people of Michigan is even greater still."
Dingell was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1955 at the age of 29, winning a special election to succeed his father, John Sr., who had represented the district from 1933 until his death in 1955. Since then, Dingell has won 27 consecutive terms in the House and is one of only three members in history to serve in that chamber for over 50 years. Today marks the 19,420th day that Dingell has served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
During that time, Dingell has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, including authoring the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act, securing federal funding to clean up the Rouge River and working tirelessly to protect the jobs of Michigan autoworkers. Dingell is also famous for his investigations of government corruption and waste, which have resulted in the recovery of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.
"John Dingell never forgot where he came from and who he represents," Byrnes said. "From presiding over the House during the passage of Medicaid in 1965 to his work in 2003 to enact the National 'Do Not Call' list, John Dingell has always fought for Michigan's working families. Today, we congratulate him on this important milestone, and thank him for his many years of service."