LANSING- Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) and his colleagues in the Michigan Senate passed a resolution today honoring Congressman John Dingell, who became the longest serving member in history of the U.S. House of Representatives today. Dingell represents Sen. Basham and the people in his State Senate district in Congress.

“John Dingell is a man of tremendous character, and I am proud to help honor him today for both his longevity and integrity. In his more than half-century of service, he has managed to bridge the concerns of our state’s past and our future, continuing to fight for our auto manufacturing industry and while also working to protect our environment,” said Basham. “From the day he was first sworn in in 1955, Congressman Dingell has been a tireless voice for the working class, and we are indebted to him for his continued service to the Downriver community, the state of Michigan, and our country.”

John Dingell has been a member of Congress for more than 53 years. He has served with 11 presidents, chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and has crafted some of the nation's most important laws regarding health care and the environment as well as the rights of workers and consumers.

Basham was a cosponsor of Senate Resolution 10, which passed the Senate unanimously as members from both sides of the aisle paid homage to Congressman Dingell. Governor Jennifer Granholm also proclaimed today John Dingell Day in Michigan, and Dingell will be honored by his friends and colleagues at a reception at the Capitol in Washington D.C. hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

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