Former Congressional Representative, John Dingell, passed away at the age of 92



[ad_1]

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John David Dingell, former Michigan Congressman and former US Congressman," in his wife's office, Rep. Debbie Dingell , D-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 Serving the people of southeastern Michigan, he has spirited spirit and a life dedicated to improving the lives of all those who walk on this earth. "

The Michigan Democrat was a lion in the House of Decades and a longtime committee chair. In recent years, he became known for his spiritual Twitter account and to criticize the administration of President Donald Trump.

"John Dingell was a giant legislator 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 historian's records, he served with 11 presidents and collected 28,551 voice.

He served on the Energy and Trade Committee for nearly 58 years, making Dingell the oldest member of all congressional committees. He chaired the committee for more than 15 years.

Dingell, whose district housed the Ford Motor Company, had long been a strong advocate for the auto industry, but had also focused on environmental issues over the years. He has played a key role in helping with the enactment of legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, Medicare, the Clean Water Act, the Quality Act. from the air, 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 became 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, fewer than many current Congress members.

Trump has been criticized in recent years, but more generally, Dingell is attacking what he calls a decline in institutionalism. .

"During my six decades in the public service, I have witnessed many changes in our country and its institutions.But, the most profound change that I have witnessed is also the saddest, "he wrote in a December editorial. Atlantic. "It is a total collapse in respect of virtually all government institutions and an unprecedented cynicism about the nobility of the public service itself". in one.

"It will take a national movement, starting at the grassroots level, and demanding massive organization, strategic voting and strong leadership over a generation," he wrote. "But it sounds good, is not it? Abolish the Senate." I have right now a blue cap with this slogan. They will be made in America. "

John David Dingell Jr. was born on July 8, 1926 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was exposed to politics from an early age when his father was elected to the House of Commons in 1932. Young Dingell then served as a page in the House and attended the Capitol Page School from 1938 to 1943.

"We have seen very great things," Dingell said in a 2012 oral history interview with the office of the historian of the House. "The President (Franklin D. Roosevelt) declared war the day after the bombing of 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 army American, nearly 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 at 29 years of age. He is then re-elected to 29 other congressional sessions until he decides not to run again in 2014. His wife, Debbie, has succeeded him and remains at his seat today.

Dingell's service, combined with that of his father and his wife, marks the longest consecutive service to Congress for a single family: nearly 86 years old.

Adam Levy of CNN contributed to this report.

[ad_2]
Source link