LANSING – House Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) and State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) joined their House colleagues on both sides of the aisle today to honor U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell (D-Dearborn) for his many years of service to the people of Michigan. Today, on his 19,420th day of service, Dingell became the longest-serving U.S. House member in history.
"When you fully examine all that John Dingell has done for this state, it is truly astounding," Angerer said. "For half a century, he has always acted with the best interests of the 15th Congressional District, and all of Michigan in mind, and you can't ask for anything more from an elected official. On issues from protecting our natural resources to fighting for the auto industry, he has provided a strong, steadfast voice for our state."
Dingell was first elected to the U.S. 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. Dingell has since 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.
During his time in Congress, Dingell has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments. He authored the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act, secured federal funding to clean up the Rouge River, fought for affordable health care, and recovered hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars by investigating government corruption and waste.
"John Dingell has always been an inspiration to me, as I'm sure he has been for countless others in Michigan," Ebli said. "His commitment to our great state has never wavered. Mr. Dingell started standing up for our working families more than 50 years ago, and if he could he would do it for 50 more. He has protected our environment, protected our jobs and made sure our government was working as it should – for us. For that, he deserves all the recognition he is receiving and more."