[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN D. DINGELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congressman 
John D. Dingell and in recognition of his outstanding service to our 
country as the Representative for the 15th District of Michigan. On 
February 11, 2009, Congressman Dingell will become the longest serving 
Member in the House of Representatives.
  Congressman Dingell was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 
18, 1926 and followed in the footsteps of his father when he succeeded 
him as a Representative in Congress for Michigan's 15th Congressional 
District. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and at one of the 
defining moments in modern world history, during World War Two. He 
served as a Second Lieutenant in the Army and completed his military 
service in 1946. Congressman Dingell attended Georgetown University for 
both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning his bachelors 
degree in Chemistry and J.D. from the Law School, completing his 
studies in 1952. Prior to obtaining his seat in Congress, 
Representative Dingell opened his own private law firm and served as 
both a forest ranger and attorney in Wayne County, Michigan. He became 
a Member of the House of Representatives in 1955 at the age of 29, 
following the death of his father, who was the incumbent Member of 
Congress.
  Congressman Dingell's accomplishments in the House of Representatives 
include writing groundbreaking legislation on the environment such as 
the Clean Air Act of 1990 as well as working to pass vital animal 
welfare laws such as the Endangered Species Act. As Chairman Emeritus 
of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Representative Dingell has 
addressed some of the most significant issues facing our Nation today, 
such as health care and national energy policy. He continues his 
father's legacy in Congress by introducing the same national health 
care legislation his father fought for during his tenure in Congress. 
Congressman Dingell's leadership has served as an undeniable example 
and source of inspiration to our colleagues and to all those working 
toward national health care legislation and issues of environmental 
justice.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Congressman 
John D. Dingell and in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments 
during his tenure as the longest serving Member in the House of 
Representatives.

                          ____________________