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"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John David Dingell, a former Michigan congressman and long-serving United States Congressman," at the offices of his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell , Michigan, said in a statement. "Congressman Dingell died peacefully today at his home in Dearborn, surrounded by his wife Deborah.He was a US Congressional Lion and a son, father, husband, grandfather and loving friend will be remembered for his decades of public service to the people of southeastern Michigan, his quick wit and a lifetime of dedication to improving the lives of all who walk on this Earth. "
"John Dingell was a giant lawmaker on behalf of the people," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. He described Dingell as a "tireless advocate" who fought for the protection of air, clean water, consumer protections and financial regulations over his almost six decades in Congress.
Dingell served in the House of Representatives for 59 years and 22 days, from 1955 to 2015. According to the Bureau of the House Historian, he served with 11 presidents and garnered 28,551 votes.
From that time, he served on the Energy and Trade Committee for almost 58 years, making Dingell the oldest member of all congressional committees. He chaired the committee for more than 15 years.
Dingell, whose district was home to the Ford Motor Company, has long been a strong supporter of the auto industry, but has also focused on environmental issues over the years. He has played a key role in helping enact legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, Medicare, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act. and the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare.
"I think it will go down in history as one of the most influential members of the US Congress," said Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York. "And he's also a great tweeter."
With the expansion of Twitter, Dingell has become known for his commentary on the news through sneaky and sometimes percussive tweets that have often become viral. It has gathered more than 250,000 users, which is lower than many current members of Congress.
Trump has been criticized in recent years, but more generally, Dingell is attacking what he describes as a decline in institutionalism.
Mr. Dingell has spoken out in favor of the abolition of the Senate, where bills face a higher adoption threshold and the amalgamation of both houses.
"This will require a national movement, starting at the local level, and requiring massive organization, strategic voting and strong leadership over a generation," he wrote. "But it sounds good, is not it? Abolish the Senate." I am printing the blue caps with this slogan. They will be made in America. "
John David Dingell Jr. was born on July 8, 1926 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was exposed to politics from an early age when his father was elected to the House in 1932. The young Dingell then served as a page in the House and attended Capitol Page School from 1938 to 1943.
"We have seen some very good things," said Dingell in an oral history interview with the Bureau of the House Historian of 2012. "The President (Franklin D. Roosevelt) declared war the day after the bombing of the Pearl Harbor by the Japanese (December 8, 1941) We saw Winston Churchill on December 26, 1941, when he came to speak in Congress. "
At the age of 18, Dingell enlisted in the US Army, almost three years after seeing Roosevelt pronounce his famous "Day of Infamy" speech in front of Congress.
After the death of his father in 1955, Dingell was elected president following special elections at the age of 29. He was re-elected for another 29 congressional sessions, until he decided not to run again in 2014. His wife, Debbie, succeeded him and remains in his place today. .
Dingell's service, combined with that of his father and his wife, marks the longest consecutive service of Congress for a single family: nearly 86 years old.
Adam Levy from CNN contributed to this report.
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