Longest-Serving Member of Congress Has Died

Former Democratic Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) has passed away at the age of 92. He was the longest-serving member of Congress, holding office for a staggering 21,572 days. He took office in 1955 to represent the 15thcongressional district, now the 12th district, in Michigan, succeeding his father; Rep. John Dingell, Sr. He served until his retirement in 2015. His wife, Debbie, now occupies the seat. Congresswoman Dingell had signaled that her husband was entering his final days, informing the public that he had moved into hospice care on Wednesday (via Fox News):

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John David Dingell, Jr., former Michigan Congressman and longest-serving member of the United States Congress,” the congresswoman said in a statement following Dingell’s death.

“Congressman Dingell died peacefully today at his home in Dearborn, surrounded by his wife Deborah. He was a lion of the United States Congress and a loving son, father, husband, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his decades of public service to the people of Southeast Michigan, his razor sharp wit, and a lifetime of dedication to improving the lives of all who walk this earth.” . . .

Nicknamed “The Truck” during his longtime tenure as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the congressman from Detroit fueled the passage of many landmark measures, including health care reform, energy regulations and telecommunications expansion.

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