On the recordDecember 9, 2014
It's an honor to rise tonight and speak on behalf of my friend and colleague--the Dean of the House of Representatives--John Dingell. A proud son of Michigan, John Dingell has dedicated his life to helping those on society's margins and improving quality of life for all Americans. While he is the longest serving member of the House, he is also one of the most accomplished members in its history. It would be impossible to list all of John Dingell's accomplishments in the time we're allotted tonight. But make no mistake--John Dingell has played a role in every major legislative victory over the last sixty years. Throughout his time in Congress, he has been a champion for the American worker, for a clean environment, for health care, for civil rights, for consumers. When I arrived in the House, I received a seat on the Public Works and Transportation Committee as my freshman assignment. However, I soon realized that my interests and principles were outside the scope of that particular committee. One day, I passed 2123 Rayburn and sat down to watch a hearing of the Energy and Commerce Committee For the first time, I saw firsthand our Committee at work. And, for the first time, I saw John Dingell in action. He filled the whole room. You couldn't miss him. That day changed everything. What I quickly realized was that the Energy and Commerce Committee had the ability to make improvements in the lives of everyday Americans. And John Dingell was leading the way.…
