Pelosi to Honor Dingell as Longest Serving Member of the House

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a reception next Tuesday, February 10 in the Capitol's Statuary Hall to celebrate Congressman John Dingell as the longest-serving Member of the House of Representatives.  Congressman Dingell will officially be the longest-serving Member on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, which will begin his 19,420th day serving in the House of Representatives.

"John Dingell is a giant of the Congress.  Over his 53 years in the House, on issues from health care to the environment, to protecting the rights of workers and consumers, Chairman Dingell has been a leader in fighting for the American values we cherish," Pelosi said.  "I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated public servant, the Dean of the House."

"Deborah and I are honored that the Speaker would put together an event like this. This is a very warm gesture and we look forward to celebrating with her," Congressman Dingell said.  "I am pleased that my friends and colleagues will be there to take part. I look forward to talking about memories as well as our hopes for the 111th Congress, including the work we will do on health care. It will be a wonderful evening."

Dingell came to Congress in 1955 at the age of 29, winning the seat vacated when his father passed away.  His time in the House marks a period of service that is nearly a quarter of the whole history of Congress.