[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JOHN DINGELL ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS 
                          ELECTION TO CONGRESS

                                 ______


                         HON. ALAN B. MOLLOHAN

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 20, 1995

  Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to join my colleagues in 
paying tribute to the dean of this House and a very good friend, 
Congressman John D. Dingell.
  John Dingell is, without question, one of the most respected Members 
of this institution. And so it is highly appropriate that we gather to 
recognize his remarkable 40-year record of service and achievement.
  When you look at that record, you have to marvel at Congressman 
Dingell's sphere of influence, for it is far reaching.
  Most Members of Congress, either through conscious choice or 
subconscious tendency, choose a level at which to focus their energies. 
For some, it is on national policies. For others, it is on local issue. 
It is rare to find a legislator who has the energy, the intellect, and 
the political savvy to do both.
  John Dingell is just such a legislator, one who shapes national 
policies and works with great diligence for Michigan's 16th District.
  I would invite you to first look at the national policy arena, where 
John Dingell has worked to better the lives of the American people 
through his powerful committee position.
  He has been--and remains--an effective advocate of consumers and 
taxapayes, whose interests he vigilantly defends. He also has worked to 
help disabled Americans gain access that the rest of us sometimes take 
for granted. And his service has benefited all who value a healthy 
environment and the protection of rare lands and species.
  Closer to home, well, the citizens of the 16th are hardworking 
people; people who understand and appreciate the value of a hard-
working Representative. That's why, 20 times and by overwhelming 
margins, they've chosen John Dingell as their voice here in the 
Nation's Capital.
  And he's a powerful voice for them. Congressman Dingell works hard 
here to protect Michigan jobs and create new ones. He fights for 
working families, for veterans, for seniors, for students. He also has 
developed important environmental initiatives on local waterways.
  Finally, I would like to point out that this House, too, benefits 
greatly from Mr. Dingell's service. He is a man of integrity. Of 
course, he is also a tremendous source of institutional knowledge. And 
he is a master of House rules and procedures. I am honored to serve 
with him and count him as a personal friend.
  Let me note again, Mr. Speaker, that it is a true pleasure to 
recognize the gentleman from Michigan and commemorate his four decades 
of distinguished service.

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