The longest serving member in the history of
the United States Congress, U.S. Representative John Dingell (D-Dearborn),
announced his retirement on Monday. The announcement drew media coverage from
across nation, and U.S. President Barack Obama commended Congressman Dingell on
his remarkable accomplishments during his 58-plus year tenure. Mr. Dingell has
held his current seat since 1955, following the death of his father John
Dingell, Sr.
Congressman Dingell supported many historic
pieces of legislation throughout his career. He voted for the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Medicare, the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and was an
original author of the Affordable Care Act. His physical mobility has been
diminished by age, but he remains a lively individual. He expressed his
frustration with the present state of Congress as well as a desire to spend
time with his loved ones as reasons behind his decision.
He did not dwell on the past, but looked
toward to the future, stating that much more must be done. Crumbling
infrastructure, tax reform, and election laws all made his list of things the
nation must address. Mr. Dingell’s wife, Debbie Dingell, is the presumed frontrunner
to succeed him. State Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) may also decide to
run in what would be a heated primary.