[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JOHN D. DINGELL FOR HOLDING THE RECORD AS THE LONGEST SERVING 
                 MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
154, which honors John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest 
serving member of the House of Representatives.
  This resolution pays tribute to a man who has given his life to 
public service. Prior to Congress, John served with dedication as a 
Congressional page, National Park Ranger, a Second Lieutenant in the 
U.S. Army, and a county prosecutor.
  On December 13, 1955, John won a special election to replace his 
father in the House or Representatives and has been reelected 27 times 
to represent the families of Michigan. He has served honorably as dean 
of House of Representatives since the 104th Congress.
  I first met Congressman Dingell when I was elected to the House of 
Representatives in 2000. It has been a true honor to serve as a 
Representative along with such a distinguished gentleman.
  Throughout his tenure in the House, John has fought tirelessly for 
working families. As a member, ranking member, and chairman of the 
House Energy and Commerce Committee, he has been a leader in protecting 
the environment and health of all Americans.
  As the Congress looks towards reforming our healthcare system, we 
must thank John for paving the way by increasing access for family and 
children. Every year since 1957, John has introduced a bill that would 
provide national health insurance for all Americans. The passage of the 
Children's Health Insurance Program signed into law in 1997 and an 
expansion of the program in 2009 could not have been done without him.
  John has also been instrumental in the passage of environmental 
legislation including the National Environmental Policy Act, the 
Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
  I want to take this time to recognize John's wife Debbie who has been 
his dedicated partner during his service to our great nation.
  Congratulations John. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.

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