[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
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. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to have 
served as a Member of the State House of Representatives in Michigan 
and now as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for 
more than three decades. I know first-hand of the hard work and 
leadership of the long-term Chairman Emeritus John Dingell. People 
outside of the great State of Michigan, in which I have been proud to 
serve as a Member of the State House of Representatives in Michigan and 
now as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 
three decades know the long-time Chairman Emeritus of the powerful 
Energy and Commerce Committee as John D. Dingell. In Michigan, we know 
Chairman Dingell as a dedicated, devoted and dutiful public servant who 
continues to serve the people of Michigan's 15th Congressional District 
and the United States superbly. As the Dean of the U.S. House of 
Representatives, Chairman Dingell has been a fighter for the automotive 
industry; a protector of our environment; a dogged investigator and 
leader of Federal oversight; and one of the leading supporters of 
health care for all Americans.
  Chairman Dingell's sense of public service goes beyond his service as 
a Member of Congress for more than the past five decades. Chairman 
Dingell, who began learning his skill as a legislator at the feet of 
his father, John, the Chairman joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 to 
fight in WWII. After graduating from college, working as a forest 
ranger and becoming a lawyer, Chairman Dingell became a member of our 
august body after winning the seat of his departed dad.
  Chairman Dingell's influence upon the lives of all Americans is broad 
and deep. As the longtime Chairman of the Energy and Commerce 
Committee, to which more than two-thirds of all legislation in Congress 
is referred, Chairman Dingell has been at the forefront of legislation 
that has improved the health of minorities, women, and men; improved 
the quality of the water we drink, the food we eat, and the very air 
that we breathe; and uncovered some of the worst fraud, waste and abuse 
of scarce American tax dollars.
  Every Congress for more than the past five decades, Chairman Dingell 
has introduced legislation that would guarantee each and every American 
access to health care. This is carrying on a family tradition that was 
begun by his father, and continued by the son. This is but one of the 
hundreds of bills and laws that Chairman Dingell has directly 
influenced. Under Chairman Dingell, we discovered that the Department 
of Defense were paying more than $600 for a toilet seat. The ``Do Not 
Call'' law that restricted telemarketers from interrupting our homes. 
The recently-signed into law State Children's Health Insurance Plan, 
guaranteeing health insurance for millions of children of working 
families. Saving our beloved Great Lakes from pollution. Preserving 
America's forestry and animal heritage with the Endangered Species Act. 
Ensuring that women and minorities are counted and considered as we 
find cures for cancer, AIDS, and other debilitating diseases. Fighting 
for the American automobile industry. And finally, Chairman Dingell's 
work to establish a ``Patient's Bill of Rights'' that means that 
doctors, not insurance bureaucrats, make decisions for our health care. 
In more than half a century of service to all Americans, Chairman 
Dingell has a record of achievement that will not be surpassed. It is a 
record that I respected as a Member of Michigan's State legislature, 
and it is one that I continue to respect to this very day.
  I join my colleagues in congratulating Chairman John Dingell, along 
with all of Michigan's sons and daughters, regardless of race, 
religion, or party affiliation, on his record length of service to our 
Nation. Chairman Dingell's service has made a difference for us all. I 
am proud to honor Chairman Dingell for a lifetime of dedication to our 
country.

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