[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E820-E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN DINGELL--THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF 
                                CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the many accomplishments of a 
great friend to me and an outstanding mentor to many--John David 
Dingell.
   In 1955, John Dingell assumed office after winning a special 
election after the passing of his father. During the years of his 
service he established a legacy as a courageous and principled leader. 
This was best exemplified by a vote early in his career to pass the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964. There were many who thought this vote would 
end his career. But John Dingell, despite the fact that the measure was 
then controversial and contentious, exemplified true leadership by 
voting to ensure equality for African-Americans.
   Mr. Speaker, it is this integrity and strong commitment to fair 
leadership that has led to a career full of accomplishment for the Dean 
of the House, and it is why his constituents have made him the longest-
serving member in the history of the United States House of 
Representatives.
   Congressman Dingell has worked passionately to protect our 
environment. Throughout his career, he has passed landmark legislation 
such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and he did so by 
building broad bipartisan consensus.
   As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman 
John Dingell dramatically changed the way we view our environment by 
fighting for legislation preventing animal extinction, limiting air and 
water pollution and increasing wildlife conservation. In Michigan, I 
can confidently say we have all seen the benefits of Representative 
Dingell's work. He has been a consistent champion for our automotive 
industry--protecting thousands of jobs and ensuring that one of 
America's premier industries continues to grow. Our State cannot thank 
him enough for his tireless efforts.
   Every day he has served in Congress John Dingell has fought hard to 
strengthen our health care system and make it accessible for everyone. 
From his very first day in Congress, John Dingell has fought to pass 
the National Health Insurance Act that was championed by his father. In 
1965, John Dingell presided over the House as it passed legislation 
expanding health care to millions of Americans and in 2010; he achieved 
his goal of affordable, accessible health care for all Americans with 
passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
   Mr. Speaker, forever known as Mr. Chairman, I am honored to stand 
here today and call John Dingell my colleague. I look forward

[[Page E821]]

to more achievements from him in the years to come, and to our 
continued work creating a better future for our State of Michigan and 
our Nation.

                          ____________________