On the recordDecember 9, 2014
I thank my colleague. Mr. Speaker, I know there are a lot of Members, so I will be quick, but you have to really come down to the floor to recognize a man who has served honorably for so many years--58 years to be exact. I would like to highlight the fact that, at 18, he joined the United States Army and rose to the rank of second lieutenant and was prepared to be part of the invasion of Japan until the bomb was dropped and the war ended. John won a special election to follow his father, and he has been here ever since. He was the leading congressional supporter of organized labor, of social welfare measures, and of traditional progressive policies. He was also known as a big hunter and fisher, which we heard many, many times. I also want to highlight that he was well-known for Dingell-grams, which were missives sent to the administration, regardless of party, that held them to account for public policies and the excesses of the executive branch. He is well-known for that. I know he will be followed ably by his wife, Debbie, and I look forward to working with her. May God bless you, John Dingell, and may God bless the United States of America.
