[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2420-E2421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JOHN DINGELL ON HIS 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE 
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 1995

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to 
a man who has provided 40 years of dedicated service to the people of 
Michigan's 16th Congressional District and the United States of 
America, my good friend and dean of this esteemed body, John D. 
Dingell. The fact that Mr. Dingell is still recognized by many of his 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle as ``Mr. Chairman'' is one 
example of the high level of respect and appreciation we have for his 
service.
  Like his father before him, John Dingell has worked diligently to 
serve his constituents in the State of Michigan. His tireless efforts 
to 

[[Page E2421]]
spearhead economic development, solve local problems and meet community 
needs have led to an improved quality of life for his constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, in serving this country, we can look to John Dingell as 
an example of an effective legislator who puts people before politics. 
He authored the original Clean Water Act, which markedly improved the 
quality of our Nation's rivers and lakes, including the State of 
Michigan's Great Lakes. As chairman of the House Committee on Energy 
and Commerce, he was the integral component in removing asbestos from 
our children's schools and passing the first ever Americans with 
Disabilities Act. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations, Congressman Dingell vigorously investigated and exposed 
waste, fraud, and abuse resulting in saving billions of taxpayer 
dollars. Congressman Dingell's father, John Dingell, Sr., authored this 
Nation's first comprehensive health reform legislation when he served 
in this body for 22 years. Following in his father's spirit, John 
Dingell, Jr., has introduced similar legislation every year he has been 
in office that would provide health insurance for all Americans.
  Let me say as cochairman of the Congressional Auto Caucus, there is 
no greater advocate for the auto industry in the history of the 
Congress then John Dingell.
  Forty years after he was first sworn into the House of 
Representatives, Congressman Dingell continues to fight for policies 
and values that will most benefit this country. It is because of his 
great wisdom and experience that I have often sought his counsel. The 
debt of gratitude this body owes John Dingell can never be repaid, but 
can and must be recognized. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me to 
have worked for so many years with my colleague and good friend, 
Chairman John D. Dingell.
  Mr. Speaker, when I debate against term limits, I mention the service 
of Hubert Humphrey, Everett Dirksen, and John Dingell. I then rest my 
case.

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