Nick Rahall: “today, December 13, 2005, John D. Dingell, Jr. marks 50 years of distinguished service to the people of Michigan. I have…”

“today, December 13, 2005, John D. Dingell, Jr. marks 50 years of distinguished service to the people of Michigan. I have enormous respect for my friend, the gentleman from Michigan, who serves the people he represents, and the country, well and with distinction. I was a member of this body when the last gentleman to serve 50 years in the House was acknowledged--Congressman Jamie Whitten. And the tribute Mr. Dingell paid to Mr. Whitten also is fitting in tribute to Mr. Dingell--For all the wisdom the gentleman from Michigan has displayed during his tenure in the House, his constituents have shown even more wisdom in returning him to Congress 25 times. Upon reflecting on Mr. Dingell's career, I am reminded of the quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, ``the quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.'' After half a century of service in this body, serving with 10 presidents and in 25 Congresses, all marvel at the longevity of the gentleman's career. But it is the quality of Mr. Dingell's service that his colleagues, his constituents and the American people remember. And let us not forget in celebrating the gentleman's past accomplishments and distinguished service that his career is far from over. True, his efforts on behalf of the Civil Rights Movement, the American laborer and our Nation's neediest individuals helped shape the second half of the 20h Century.…”