Representative Dingell at a reception with Senator Carl Levin, Representative Joe Barton (R-TX), Representative John Lewis (D-GA), Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and President Bill Clinton.

Dear Friend,

Today, February 11, 2009, I became the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, a distinction previously held by Congressman Jamie Whitten (D-MS).  That I have been so fortunate to serve the 15th Congressional District of Michigan and the United States of America for more than 53 years is an enormous blessing—a blessing I feel anew every time I walk onto the Floor of the House.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. 

My gratitude goes to the people of Southeast Michigan who have stood with me, as I have stood with them, these many years.

I have been very fortunate in being able to work on many important pieces of legislation over the years.  I was one of the leaders of civil rights legislation of 1957, 1964, and 1965.  I ran a subcommittee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and wrote the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as major parts of the Fish and Wildlife Act, the Endangered Species Act, as well as legislation to prevent ocean dumping and protect marine mammals.  I wrote large parts of the Food and Drug bill in 1962 and the revisions in the last Congress.  I was also fortunate enough to craft legislation to provide health care to 11 million children and to fight to protect Michigan jobs each and every day. 

But right now is not a time to rest.  I will continue to work for you, my constituents, in Washington.  We are facing an economic crisis of phenomenal proportions, and I will continue to work to make sure everyday men and women of the 15th District—not just those on Wall Street—have their voices heard and receive assistance they need as they struggle to pay for their bills. 

Importantly, I will continue to press forward to reform our health care system which, for all its flaws, has improved the quality of life for most of us.  But we must work to do to improve our system so it works for all Americans.  I outlined my vision for ensuring quality, affordable health care for all Americans here. 

Next week, I will be back in Michigan to talk to the good people of Southeast Michigan about important matters pending in Congress.  I look forward to soliciting you for advice on the critically important matter of health care reform.  More details are below:

WHO:
Congressman John Dingell,
Chairman Emeritus of the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Chris Jennings,
Senior White House Health Care Advisor to President Bill Clinton, 1993-2001

Marianne Udow,
Director of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Transformation

WHAT:
Discussion on national health care reform

WHEN:
Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16th
1:00pm– 2:30pm

WHERE:
University of Michigan School of Public Health Auditorium
109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

I will also meet with local farmers on February 17 in Dundee, hold a tele-town hall on February 18, and participate in a February 19 event to highlight an agreement between the University of Michigan and General Motors to establish an advanced automotive battery development and testing laboratory.

Again, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Representative over the years.  You may rest assured I will continue to fight for you in Washington.