Dingell Thanks Friends and Colleagues for Kind Thoughts on 50th Anniversary in US House
Dingell Thanks Friends and Colleagues for Kind Thoughts on 50th Anniversary in US House
Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15) released the following statement on his lunch with President Bush, a House Resolution sponsored by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi that passed the House this evening and a Proclamation by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm:
"Speaker Hastert and Leader Pelosi are great friends and I am humbled by their gesture. Their Resolution means a great deal to me and I am particularly pleased that they teamed up to make it happen. My wonderful Michigan colleagues, Congressmen Upton and Conyers, and all the Michigan Members have been so gracious to me and I am very fortunate to have their friendship and a great working relationship with them. I want to thank them for leading tonight's Special Order on the House floor.
"Governor Granholm has also shown me a great kindness in proclaiming today Congressman John D. Dingell Day'. She has been a terrific public servant and we will continue to fight for our State. I look forward to working with her for a long time.
"The President and the First Lady were wonderful hosts during today's lunch at The White House. There will be those who focus on our differences, but today we put that aside. Because of the First Family's kindness, my family and I were able to enjoy an extraordinary afternoon. I will always remember that.
"I also want to thank the people of Michigan's 15th Congressional District for their continued faith in me as their Congressman. They are the most decent, patriotic and hard working people I know and I owe any success that I have had in Congress over these 50 years to those great people in Michigan.
"All I have really ever tried to do is continue the legacy of my father, the first Congressman John Dingell. Even with 50 more years, I am not sure I could do all that he was able to accomplish. Today's Resolution, the Proclamation and all the special events are as much a tribute to him as they are to me. My family will always be grateful that my dad was also recognized in the resolution that passed the House tonight and throughout the day's events.
"I will always appreciate the kindness of my fellow Members in the greatest legislative body in the world. The House of Representatives has given me much, much more than I have given back. It is my good fortune to have many, many memorable days, but this will stand out as particularly special. My wonderful wife Deborah and I are most grateful all of those who made it possible."
http://www.house.gov/dingell/documents/press_releases/109th_Congress/12-13-05_2.htm