H1566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 13, 2019 This is a sign for Audrina and for We are here and will be able to honor Dingell sat in for all those years, and I every kid facing abortion. him this evening and also honor him spoke to the guy who I saw the night Congress, American people, speak tomorrow at the funeral that will take before in a moment of American his- now for the kids. Support the bill, the place here in Washington. tory. He was still here fighting for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protec- So our thoughts go to the Dingell very same things that he had fought tion Act. Don’t kill babies. family, especially to our colleague, for, for so long. I took that as a per- Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I John’s wife, Congressman Dingell’s sonal privilege, to have been able to would like to thank my colleagues for wife, whom he often referred to as ‘‘the serve with him. joining me this evening to stand up for lovely Deborah.’’ She is a friend and a As I said, this is a tremendous loss the most vulnerable among us. colleague. I have known her myself, as for our country. It is a tremendous loss We stand together to defend the sanc- well, for as long as I can possibly re- for me personally. Our hearts go out to tity of life, to speak out against a rad- member. DEBBIE. ical anti-life agenda that would effec- I will have more to say about Con- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman tively legalize infanticide. gressman Dingell, but I think there are from Michigan (Mr. WALBERG). I have long fought to defend the un- just a few aspects of his career that I Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank born, but I am shocked that I now have just want to make sure I noted for the the gentleman from Flint for yielding. to defend the right to life of newborn ecord. I appreciate the opportunity that we infants. These precious children are in The longest-serving Member of this have to stand on the floor tonight as a peril, their rights are under attack, House, he is known not just for the lon- bipartisan delegation, Republicans and their lives are under attack, and this gevity and the quantity of his time Democrats who are joined together by House has the responsibility to act. here, but for the incredible impact that a love of a great State, the greatest Tonight the American people heard he had on our country, on our Nation, State, Michigan, and the history that our call to action. It is time to vote on and on the policies that he believed in is there that includes a gentleman, a the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Pro- and stood for. leader, like John Dingell. This is a vision that too often is not tection Act. Will the leadership of this He served as the chairman or the seen by constituents back in the dis- House listen or will the Democratic ranking member on the House Energy trict, isn’t it? They often think that if majority continue to allow this march and Commerce Committee from 1981 to you are a Republican or a Democrat, toward legalized infanticide? 2008, shaping very important legisla- you are automatically an antagonist If we don’t send a strong message tion on clean air, clean water, pro- for the other side. That is just not true, that every baby has been endowed by tecting endangered animals, advo- especially as we work together as a del- its creator with inalienable rights, that cating for national healthcare. In fact, egation. we are not defending the fundamental in every Congress that he served in, he I learned one thing of many things, principles of the Constitution, if we continued the legacy of his father, who but one thing I will share tonight from don’t protect these children from preceded him in Congress, by intro- John D. Dingell, Jr. I will let that rest harm, we are abandoning the basic ducing legislation that would guar- a little bit and let it build to what in truth of our humanity. antee healthcare for every American. the world I am going to say that I Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my col- b 1815 learned specifically from John Dingell leagues for standing with me here to- Some of the legislative highlights: that was unique, special, and impor- night. I urge the support of House bill tant to me and that I hope I never for- H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Sur- National Wilderness Act, 1964; Water Quality Act, 1965; National Environ- get. vivors Protection Act, and to stand It was in 1983 that I first met John mental Policy Act, 1970; Endangered against infanticide. Dingell. I was a freshman in the State Species Act, 1973; Natural Gas Policy Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance House of Representatives. I was in of my time. Act, 1978; Prescription Drug Marketing Adrian, Michigan, the county seat of f Act, 1988; Clean Air Act Amendments, the house district I represented. We 1990; Energy Independence and Secu- were there for a ribbon cutting. I heard HONORING THE LIFE OF rity Act, 2007; National Instant Crimi- REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DINGELL a commotion going on through the nal Background Check System Im- room, and the commotion was simply The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under provements, 2008; Patient Protection this: Big John Dingell is about here. He the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- and Affordable Care Act, 2010; FDA is about to arrive. uary 3, 2019, the gentleman from Michi- Food Safety Modernization Act, 2011. Well, I had never met big John Din- gan (Mr. KILDEE) is recognized for 60 Any one of these would constitute gell or John Dingell at all. Mr. Speak- minutes as the designee of the major- the highlight of a legislative career, er, like Mr. KILDEE, I knew it was a ity leader. and every one of them are attributable historic moment. Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to the work of Congressman John Din- Sure enough, soon he came in. He today and will be joined by a number of gell. swept into the room, and I met a man my colleagues from the State of Michi- Before I yield to my colleagues, I who, yes, indeed, was 6-foot-4. Strong gan to pay tribute to a person that I want to mention one other piece of leg- of appearance and presence, he com- have known of and got to know as an islation that he is known for. In my manded a presence in the room. Yet he adult, but I have known Congressman first term—the only term that I shared shook every single hand in the room, John Dingell virtually all of my life. with Congressman Dingell—we cele- including this freshman member of the Having grown up in Michigan and brated, as a nation, the 50th anniver- State legislature who he had never grown up in a family involved in poli- sary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Late met, maybe even never heard my name. tics in Michigan, I was aware of John that evening, commemorating that There was a warmth about that. I Dingell from my earliest days. day, I happened to turn on C–SPAN and learned something from that. He served in this House with incred- was watching old videotape of the sign- Over the years, seeing him in oper- ible dignity and great distinction, ing ceremony where President Lyndon ation, and then, ultimately, coming longer than anyone else in the history Johnson stood with the civil rights and here in 2007 for my first term, and hav- of this country, of this government. In legislative leaders of our Nation. I saw ing a chance to go up and sit where he fact, nearly one out of four Members of this tall figure walk into the frame, always sat, right over there, to sit and the House of Representatives in its en- shake President Johnson’s hand, and talk with him, initially, very timid, tire history served with Congressman receive the President’s congratulations asking legislative questions, but then John Dingell. for his work on that historic piece of we got down to important things like: Yesterday, several of us made an at- legislation. What is your favorite shotgun? What tempt to fly, we left Andrews Air Force I went to bed, and the very next day, are your favorite hunting sports? Who, Base in a storm and attempted to fly to I got up and walked over here for a ses- indeed, fitted your shotgun to you? Michigan and were, unfortunately, un- sion. I sat in that chair right there, As we began to talk about things able to land due to the weather. next to the one that Congressman John later on, it became apparent that, with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:53 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13FE7.083 H13FEPT1 February 13, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1567 redistricting, I was going to lose Cal- stituents chose that. They made it pos- gell was raising his voice and leading houn County in the district, and I was sible for him to serve those years. They conversations in standing up for that going to pick up Monroe County, which chose not to term limit him but to say auto industry. Just as he always has was John Dingell’s county, which had thank you for representing us well. been a ferocious advocate, he was then been his father’s before him. I was Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for a ferocious advocate for the Federal going to be given an opportunity to giving us the opportunity to do this to- initiative to save our automakers from represent that county as part of the night for a great man, a human, but a liquidation, to save over 200,000 Michi- Seventh Congressional District of great man who loved this country, who gan jobs, and to stand up for Michigan Michigan. served this country. And I am not and everything we represent. I remember asking John about Mon- going to give him away as a friend. Today, there are thousands of fami- roe County. He talked about the Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank lies in Michigan who have kept their marshlands. He talked about the fact the gentleman for those remarks. I jobs because of John Dingell, whose that, if I were going to come into that, think it says a lot about John Dingell value of work is respected and under- he expected me to feel the same way that the affection that we feel for him stood because of John Dingell. To him, about water fowling, protecting the re- not only spans the middle aisle here that was just another day of work. To sources there, and making sure that across party lines, but it transcends it. him, public service and doing right by the wildlife refuge continued to grow, It is meaningless, in some ways. He had his constituents was simply second na- expand, and meet the needs of coming a relationship with people here just ture. generations. We talked about that, and based on the human touch that he had. Any elected official in our country— we shared those things together. He was a wonderful, wonderful person, and there are 535 of us who sit in the I found out about the River Raisin and you, obviously, had a close rela- House of Representatives and the Sen- National Battlefield Park. A signifi- tionship with him. ate—would all be wise to study John cant war, a loss to the United States, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- Dingell’s passion, his mastery of legis- took place there at the River Raisin, woman from Michigan (Ms. STEVENS)— lating, his dedication to public service. but it became the rallying cry that, ul- we have Democrats and Republicans b 1830 timately, I believe, led to the winning here—a freshman, a person who did not In an era that has sometimes felt of the War of 1812, ‘‘Remember the Rai- have a chance to serve directly with very polarizing, somehow this man, sin.’’ him but knew him and admired him. this great dean of ours, is the great This became part of my district, but Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it is unifier. And we saw that in his passing. it became part of sharing with John with profound honor and great humil- We saw that when we welcomed his Dingell. Mr. Speaker, this is what I ity that I rise on this historic floor to casket to the Capitol, and we will see learned that I will never forget, and I recognize and honor the great Chair- that tomorrow at his funeral in Wash- hope none of us forget it, because it is man John Dingell—the day after the ington, D.C. the way of life that I think leads to a birthday of the great President Lin- John Dingell knew how important it valued life of service. coln, might I add. was to bring industry and labor to the I had the chance to serve with his son It is clear that John Dingell’s life table during the policymaking process. Chris in the State legislature. That manifested Michigan. He depicted that He knew that the auto industry needed was a Dingell who served and then rich legacy that our State symbolizes. a friend, needed a champion for every- went on to be a circuit court judge. I Mr. Dingell was a veteran, a man of thing that was right by our country have the privilege now of serving with dignity, honor, and great fortitude. He and, frankly, our State’s origin. He DEBBIE DINGELL, our great friend and most assuredly represented a great made our Big Three stronger by push- colleague, who we all have expressed America, that great generation. It was ing them to adopt fuel emission stand- our love to in these last few days, even his life, this long life, that is com- ards. more than before. pounded by its beginning and its end You see, complicated policymaking But to serve with John Dingell, I said and that arc of progress that he cer- brings all the stakeholders to the to him, ‘‘Congressman,’’ and he said: tainly represents. table, and John Dingell knew how to do No, no. John. Mr. Dingell loved life, and he loved that. He knew how to do that for the I said: I believe, if the election goes this body. He loved this House of Rep- environment; he knew how to do that as I think, I am going to get Monroe resentatives. He was the man of the on safety; and he certainly contributed County. That has been your county for House. He was the dean of the House. I to a safer, more sustainable industry many years. You have loved it. You lovingly referred to him as ‘‘The that has its moonshot views of the fu- have loved all about it. I am giving up Dean.’’ ture, the visions of the future around Calhoun County. How are you going to As we remember the Honorable John zero emissions and zero accidents that deal with that, giving away Monroe Dingell and reflect on what he meant are now being shepherded by the work- County? to this body, to this Nation, and to our ers and innovation and the talent in He said this to me, and this is what great State of Michigan, as somebody our State. I will never forget. He said: My young who is now representing parts of south- John Dingell also strived to do the friend, I never give away a friend. eastern Michigan that touched the most good. He understood what service He said: You know, it is going to be auto industry he so loved, we can re- meant. He understood what doing the your district. It is going to be your member his steadfast support of our most good for the most people meant. county. But I will never give away my domestic automakers over the decades. He fought for our water; he fought for friends in Monroe County. John Dingell understood the fate of our infrastructure guarantee; and he And he said: You should never give the auto industry and the fate of south- fought for universal healthcare every away Calhoun County either. eastern Michigan and Michigan as a day he was here. Marvelous advice. I think it would be whole as being forever intertwined, He had such a profound respect for good for all of us to remember that in that so many Michigan workers depend his colleagues, even when he disagreed our relationships, not only with our on the success of our auto industry, with them. And he loved his wife. He districts and districts that may from General Motors to Ford, Chrysler, loved his wife for all 40 years. change, but our relationships with our all the way down the supply chain. And we heard howlings from this colleagues. Democrat, Republican, I had the privilege, not as a Member Michigan delegation. We celebrate and independent, delightful, ornery, what- of the House of Representatives, but as we share that love for the great DEBBIE ever, these are friends. The way we re- a White House appointee in the admin- DINGELL, who has been such a pillar of spond to them is the same way John istration of Barack Obama in the strength, of openness, of vulnerability. Dingell responded in such a way that United States Department of the I told Congresswoman DINGELL: You he had a life that made an impact. Treasury, on the team that was respon- are every woman today. You are every Remember, he served almost 60 sible for saving General Motors and woman in your grief. years—59 years and 29 days—historic, Chrysler—we were called the auto res- And as we recognize her incredible not because he chose that, but his con- cue team—10 years ago when Mr. Din- husband, as we recognize him here

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:53 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13FE7.085 H13FEPT1 H1568 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 13, 2019 today in this codified moment and as done effectively for people. It was peo- Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I we carry his torch forward—because ple over politics, something sometimes thank my colleagues; and to all who that is what we do through the genera- we should take to heart around here. are listening, my entire life, I had John tions is we pick up the torch and keep We have talked about that. Dingell’s name as Congressman John carrying it forward—we will also con- His question was always: What is Dingell in my atmosphere, growing up tinue to carry Congresswoman DINGELL good for our people in our State? in Detroit, knowing about his work and forward in her grief and in her adjust- The other question he often had, as his tireless defending of people. ment and in the memory of her hus- was referenced, was: What is good for John Dingell served in Congress with band. our auto industry? dedication and an earnest sense of duty As such, John Dingell most assuredly Lord help you if you are going to to his constituents, to his country, and will also be remembered in our great take a shot at our auto industry. We to his solemn oath of office. As a State of Michigan, watching the people are the auto capital, and he defended Michigander, support of the auto indus- come to pay their respects, the service- that fiercely. try was a high priority of his. From A memory I have of meeting with the men and -women, the thousands of peo- steering the original Corporate Aver- chairman, one that stands out for me, ple who felt connected to his life and age Fuel Economy Act in 1975 to his ef- was about 20 years later, believe it or forts on the Energy and Commerce his life’s work. It is what Vice Presi- not. I came in for a meeting with his dent Biden referred to as his great dig- Committee, John Dingell helped to lead staffer on Education and Work- build a legacy of laws in strong support nity: his respect for his friends, for his force Development. He came out of his neighbors, for his fellow man. of Michigan’s manufacturing workforce office. He was going off to vote, I be- and the American auto industry—a His contributions to this Nation will lieve. He looked over. He said: I should not be forgotten, and they will cer- champion for the auto industry, a know you. champion for our veterans and for what tainly be felt for generations to come. I explained why I was there, what I our government can do when we truly So today, in a very official way, I say was there to talk about. He said: I work together for the people. good-bye to the chairman, to the dean, can’t sign that letter to the White He was a man of many accomplish- to the Congressman, to the veteran House. I know what you are talking ments on and off the Hill. And while John Dingell. about, but I can do one better. I can many may forget the thousands of Thank you. We will miss you dearly. call the White House and tell them votes that he voted throughout his ca- Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank they need to pay attention to this. reer, many may lose track of the legis- Congresswoman STEVENS for her com- Don’t mess up the people of my State. ments. He made that call. He was a man of lation he promoted in support of the Yesterday, as we stood on the east his word. American people, but as we heard from front steps of the Capitol, I stood next When I joined Congress, I had the op- so many colleagues, staff, family, and to Congressman PAUL MITCHELL as portunity to talk a little more with friends, people never forget an uplift- Congressman Dingell and Congress- John Dingell. Earlier on, he said to me: ing voice in a time of need or a simple woman DINGELL and the motorcade Just call me John now. act of kindness that brightens up their came by. It was an emotional moment Unlike many in D.C., he cared to day. that we shared with one another, and I hear what others thought, listened to There are many times that people know he meant a lot to him, so I now others speak, not just himself. You forget, but they often never forget how you made them feel. John Dingell was yield to Congressman PAUL MITCHELL. know, he always asked me: How is your Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I family? How are they dealing with you well known for his sense of humor, thank the gentleman from Michigan being in Congress? friendly spirit, and how he treated ev- eryone with dignity and respect. His is (Mr. KILDEE). I join all of our delega- He will be remembered as one of the a legacy that we all can only hope to tion rising to recognize the life and leg- greatest modern-day legislators. He ad- achieve. acy of the chairman, John Dingell, the dressed the tough problems of America John Dingell is and always will be a longest serving member in the history and got things done. He wouldn’t just talk about it—and shining star for the State of Michigan, of this Congress—over nearly six dec- a north star of direction for us as Mem- ades in Congress. He touched tens of Lord knows sometimes around here they do. He found compromises and so- bers of Congress, and a superstar to all thousands of Americans. Frankly, he lutions. He tackled them. He would his family—his wife and my colleague, impacted this Nation in so many ways. wrangle them. He would find a way to DEBBIE DINGELL—and all of his friends. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman was bring it to a compromise and solve the His life, his legacy, an example of true talking about the bills that he au- problem. He worked across the aisle. patriotism, will never fade. John Din- thored and led. I was listening to that I don’t believe his dedicated service gell will never be forgotten. list. The Endangered Species Act, I was to this country will ever be met again. John Dingell showed this country— still in high school, and I am not a He left an enormous mark on this in- while so many say this House doesn’t young man anymore. stitution, our country, and the world work or there is not a sense of respect The legacy he left this Nation is mas- that we will all remember. for our government, this is a time, as sive and will be for a long time. So I say God bless this great Nation we reflect on his life, to understand I first met the Congressman years with John Dingell, and may God bless that this government is important— ago when I represented the Governor of you, John David Dingell, Jr. that the things we do every day matter Michigan. He came to Washington to Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank to people, and that if we do our job, do talk with Members about workforce de- the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. it together, we will be contributors to velopment education. I was a bright- MITCHELL), and I remember, as well, why this is such a great country. eyed 22-year old, eager, ready to go. when he told me—I used to call him Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank I am sure the Congressman was won- Mr. Chairman, mainly because I was Congresswoman LAWRENCE for her com- dering what I was doing there talking afraid of him most of my life. And ments. to him and representing the Governor. when he told me to call him John, I Mr. Speaker, I know that Congress- He agreed to meet with me because the think it might have been a full year be- man FRED UPTON was a very close Governor had called him and said I was fore I developed enough courage to call friend with John Dingell. They served the guy to talk to him about that. him by that name. together. They served on the same So here was the chairman meeting Another one of our Members who I committee together. They were one an- with a 22-year-old about workforce de- know is very close to John, has worked other’s chairman at different times, velopment—the kindest man. He lis- in Michigan politics and knew John but I know, first and foremost, they tened; we talked about it. Dingell for a long time, is our col- were just real friends. I represented a Republican Governor. league Congresswoman BRENDA LAW- I now yield to the dean of the Michi- And there is no question that John RENCE. gan delegation, Congressman FRED Dingell was a Democrat, but partisan- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- UPTON. ship wasn’t a priority for John Dingell. woman from Michigan (Mrs. LAW- Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my He always focused on getting things RENCE). fellow dean, my bipartisan dean on the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:53 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13FE7.087 H13FEPT1 February 13, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1569 other side. I have so many stories to compromise, John set down his club and May you know of God’s abiding comfort, tell, so I am going to watch the clock made the deal. love, and hope this day and always. here a little bit. I am going to ramble. His decision to retire was based mostly on MIKE FORD. his waning physical condition. But he was I don’t have a prepared speech. Good guy that, again, some of us also disgusted with the poisonous partisan- know, particularly those of us on the I am delighted to be here. I am de- ship and gridlock ruining Congress. He lighted that you were able to get this couldn’t stand to watch what was becoming west side of our State. You know, he time for some of us to speak and honor of the institution he joined as a teen-aged was our dean. And when I became the a legend. And when you think about page during World War II. dean of the Michigan Republican dele- this last year, man, we have lost some Still, he hated to leave. The night before gation—that was in the early nineties. he announced his retirement, he called me to I have got to say—I was just adding it really terrific ones: President Bush, have dinner with him and Debbie. John had John McCain, others. Certainly, John up here sitting with Tim—I was prob- made his decision but hadn’t accepted it. He ably in thousands of meetings with Dingell joins those ranks as a distin- was looking for assurance that he wasn’t let- guished American who really made a ting down the people of his district by leav- John. mark on everyone’s life in this coun- ing, that he’d done his best for them, that b 1845 they’d understand his reasons. try. Our delegation is close. We stand to- Mr. Speaker, I include into the At the same time, he was offering counsel to Debbie, who had a quick decision of her gether on a host of issues, from the RECORD an article written by editor own to make. He wanted her to succeed him, Great Lakes to the autos. We often had Nolan Finley of The Detroit News. as he had his father, to continue a Dingell an agenda we worked together. Our of- [From the Detroit News, Feb. 9, 2019] legacy in Congress stretching back to 1935. It fices were across the hall from each JOHN DINGELL KNEW HOW TO LIVE, HOW TO was a poignant moment between the past other for a lot of years. Of course, we LOVE and future. When I’d visit him after retirement, the have known DEBORAH forever and a day (By Nolan Finley) questions were always the same. Did I make as well. I was up to my waist and cork tight in a difference? Do my people remember me? I had the chance to talk to John Din- what I can only describe as quicksand when Would Pop be proud? gell the day before he died, and I talked I looked up and saw John Dingell squinting I was always stunned that he could harbor to him a number of times over the last down at me with that familiar, satisfied such doubts, given his enormous accomplish- number of weeks. I read his book, grin. ments. But John Dingell never took the obli- which I would recommend to folks. ‘‘How in bloody hell did you get in there? gations of public service lightly. He always Might put the R rating next to it, in And more important, how in blue blazes are felt there was more he could do for the peo- you going to get out?’’ ple who placed their trust in him. terms of his language. You can hear We were hunting ducks on Maryland’s He was a man in the best sense of the word. him speak, and he had a genuine sense Eastern Shore. I’d winged a goose that came A man of the Greatest Generation. A man of of humor. He had so many stories. down running, and was in hot pursuit when I courage, confidence, compassion. A man who I was asked a little bit earlier today: stepped into the hole of muck and quickly did his duty. A man who took care of his own What about his tweeting? sank. business, and of the people he loved. He tweeted until, literally, the last John pulled me out, and then finished off And he sure did know how to love. He and day or two. For those of you watching the goose. Debbie shared an epic love affair that never tonight, get on Google. Google MLive. I never know how to answer when someone waned. You couldn’t be around them more than five minutes without hearing him say, That is sort of the Michigan news net- asks how a conservative, Republican-leaning work. Google: MLive Dingell tweet. newspaperman could become such fast ‘‘I love you, Fox.’’ The fire in his eyes when friends with a New Deal Democrat who he looked at her burned until his last breath. This weekend, they ran the top 20 shaped the liberal politics and policies of the She was fiercely protective of him, and tweets that he did, and they will make second half of the 20th century. kept him alive years longer than he should you laugh. They really will, especially I never occurred to either of us that we have expected by the sheer force of her will. the one with the bulldog. All of the Our friendship may have been unlikely, but could be anything else. it was one I cherished. I loved him, and hate animal lovers out there, make sure you John didn’t choose the people he loved to see him go. find this one. He had a sense of humor. based on political compatibility. Certainly, But if life’s a game, John Dingell won it. People say: How could a 92-year-old he had strong opinions, and so do I, and we Nearly 93 years, and every minute of it lived do all this? engaged often in intense discussions. Not honorably and with passion and purpose. Well, let me tell you how. It is be- once in 25 years did we exchange angry Goodbye, good friend. I hope wherever you cause of our committee. The com- words, nor ever part with hard feelings. are this morning, the ducks are coming in We were more than our politics. When to- mittee has so much jurisdiction, part fast and low. of which is telecommunications. We gether, our conversation quickly moved to Mr. UPTON. I am going to also read were the first ones. We forced the our common loves—guns and hunting. It was to you an email that I got just an hour what drew us together in the first place. broadcasters. It was actually the Tau- or two ago from his wife, DEBBIE, our John was a great hunter, a dead-eye with a zin-Dingell bill, I want to say a lot of colleague, who received this from the shotgun. I was with him when he shot the years ago, and I had an amendment Ford family. last duck he ever killed. Four of us were set- that was critical there. We passed the tled into a blind on a brisk but sunny Janu- This is from Mike Ford. Of course, Tauzin-Dingell bill. He cared so much ary morning, and the ducks were coming in his father was Gerry Ford, a great man, fast and furious. Three of us were blasting President, Michigander. And he wrote about bipartisanship. We forced the broadcasters to go away like a trio of Elmer Fudds, shooting a this, it is very brief: from analog to digital. That then al- lot of birds, but burning up a case of shells in Debbie, doing so. Not John. Since learning of John’s recent passing, lowed us all to have devices like this: Barely able to stand, he shouldered his my thoughts and prayers have been constant iPhones and the internet. Instead of shotgun just three times that day. And all with you and your extended family. using a shoe for your phone, you got three times a duck fell from the sky. Not a Through my reading of the many wonder- something like this that is like the shell wasted. ful remembrances of and tributes to John, I world. John’s great passion was his wife, Debbie. have been deeply moved and blessed to re- We forced them to go digital, and After that, it was a toss-up between a duck visit his remarkable legacy of leadership and blind and the House chamber for his next that allowed this to happen. So guess service to the people of Michigan and to all what? John Dingell, in Congress, we greatest love. I recall an afternoon when we of our Nation. were returning to Washington, and as we John and my father, though identified would often sit down. We all meet in crested a hill the gleaming white Capitol from competing political parties, held so Detroit, let’s face it. All of us, our dele- dome came into view. ‘‘I never get tired of much in common as men of wisdom, integ- gation, we come from someplace. Mr. seeing that,’’ he said softly. rity, compassion, and selfless service for all KILDEE comes from Flint. TIM And obviously he never did. John spent of humanity, and their friendship was true WALBERG is actually lucky and gets on nearly 60 years in Congress, serving longer and enduring through a shared lifetime call- in Detroit. I come from South Bend or than anyone else. And better. John was a ing of public service. John Dingell and Gerry Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids. We all parliamentarian; he cherished the traditions Ford represent what is good, honorable, and and processes of the House. decent in our country. come from someplace, but generally, And while he was a bare-knuckled nego- Please know of our Ford family’s grace we fly Delta from Detroit back to D.C. tiator who relished a fight, he was ulti- giving wishes and prayers for you and all the We are all sitting at that A–75 gate. mately a pragmatist. When the time came to Dingell family at this time of loss and grief. There is John Dingell, a colleague, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:06 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13FE7.088 H13FEPT1 H1570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 13, 2019 he is on his BlackBerry, zipping away, I say to the gentleman from St. Jo- So if you go to downtown Detroit, the typing just as fast as you could imag- seph, in this Special Order, we are a lit- courthouse is named after Theodore ine, communicating with people around tle different from Michigan. I say to Levin. the world. It is because of the work he the gentleman from St. Joseph, if KIL- Over the years, my dad served here did in our committee. That made our DEE went to the dark side, LEVIN will for 36 years. All 36 years, his beloved lives what they are today. come over to the Energy and Com- senior colleague was John Dingell. My Whether it is that or the environ- merce Committee. So I appreciate dad rose to be the chair of the House ment or healthcare or pipeline safety, that. We will get that all lined up, so Ways and Means Committee, and Mr. you name the issue—we are sorry Mr. we can take care of that right here. Dingell was the chair of the Energy KILDEE went to the Ways and Means Mr. UPTON. Will the gentleman and Commerce Committee. They Committee. DEBORAH chose right; she yield? worked together on so many things, went to the Energy and Commerce Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to things that people from other States Committee. Mr. KILDEE went to the the gentleman from Michigan. wouldn’t know about, like cleaning up dark side. Our committee has jurisdic- Mr. UPTON. We really ribbed Dave the Rouge River, a symbol of industri- tion over so much. Camp about this, and the good Sandy, alism that now is a much cleaner river, John Dingell was such a leader. He too. a really clean river, and working to didn’t care about who got the credit. Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, save the auto industry, of course. He just wanted to get the job done. He I thank the gentleman. I am ready to Imagine what it meant to my dad to sat right over here. When you would diversify things in Michigan again. be the chairman of the Ways and come over and ask his advice, you I really want to pick up where the Means Committee when we passed the would make sure that you were on his gentleman left off, because I don’t Affordable Care Act, and getting to good ear, and he would talk, and he want to talk about John’s unbelievable work with his legendary and beloved would remember things. legislative record. I want to talk about senior colleague from Michigan who I can remember taking the CONGRES- two families, the Levin family and the had introduced universal healthcare in SIONAL RECORD from some big debates, Dingell family, and really about what this country every Congress since he the Voting Rights Act and others, and the Dingell family has meant to my entered in 1955, to get to work together I would sit with him here, and we family for almost 80 years. to advance the ball, not achieving uni- would go through the names, particu- My dad has been interviewed about versal healthcare, but achieving so larly the Michigan delegation, and why this, and my Uncle Carl. But my dad much through the Affordable Care Act. they voted this way or that way. He has not revealed the beginning of his I don’t know how to say good-bye to would tell the history. He was here for relationship with the Dingells, and Mr. Dingell. Like Mr. KILDEE, he scared our lifetime. that is about John’s dad, John Dingell, the heck out of me. He was gruff. He He was a gentleman to the very end. Sr. was big. But for the sparkle in his eye, He knew the rules. He had respect from My father, Sander Levin’s first polit- I am not sure I would have even ap- both sides of the aisle. He was a guy ical memory, aside from listening to who we will never see replaced here in proached him. fireside chats all around the living He was always willing to sit down, no this House. room radio coming from President In closing, let me say, even at the matter how big and powerful he was. Roosevelt, is of campaigning for John end, he was wondering: Did I make a He was always willing to listen. The Dingell, Sr., in his knickers. My dad difference? advice he gave was unfailingly honest Of course he did. But here was a guy would have been maybe 10 years old, so and direct. A lot of times, you couldn’t who made such a difference and a guy this is going back to the late 1930s or repeat exactly the advice, all of the who really never thought he would be the early 1940s. words in the advice he gave, but it was in this institution. When his dad died, In 1946, I think, John Dingell, Sr., really special to me. a week before his dad died, he didn’t recommended to President Harry Tru- I am not sure I am willing to say think he was going to run for that seat. man that he appoint a lawyer named good-bye to Mr. D. I will just say God- It was the people at home who encour- Theodore Levin to the Eastern District speed to someone who, to me, will al- aged him to run. When he chose to re- of Michigan to be a Federal judge, and ways be the dean of the House and rep- tire, he didn’t push Deborah, nudge Harry Truman did that. I was looking resent what this body is supposed to be: Deborah, to run for that seat. at the RECORD, and with all the time down to Earth and sophisticated at the It is hard to imagine, 86 years of a things take these days, the President same time, highly principled, and ex- Dingell representing southeast Michi- nominated Uncle Ted on July 3, and he pert at making the sausage. gan. What a tribute to a family that was sitting on July 27 of either 1946 or This is the people’s House, and John has made such a difference in this 1947. Things happened at a different Dingell was the people’s Representa- body, folks who love not only our speed in those days. tive. State, but certainly their constituents. Theodore Levin served for many Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. KILDEE for years, and he was the chief judge of the Congressman LEVIN for his kind words. doing this Special Order. Eastern District of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to call Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I recall Earlier than that, before he was chief on the last of our Michigan Members to yesterday, when we were attempting to judge, I think, John Dingell’s son, John speak, a new Member, a freshman, get to the funeral in Detroit, Congress- D. Dingell, Jr., clerked for Judge someone who I know had a very special man UPTON participated in an im- Levin. It made a profound impact on relationship with Congressman Dingell. promptu observance for Congressman the chairman. He told me about this all I yield to the gentlewoman from Dingell at 30,000 feet as we flew back to the time. Michigan, Congresswoman RASHIDA Washington, because of our failure to Imagine getting to go see this very TLAIB. land. I will never forget that. senior Member of Congress to find out Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I thank my Another one of our colleagues who I about your own great uncle. What was colleague from the incredibly strong know, like me, has known the Dingell he like? Mr. Dingell loved Uncle Ted. city of Flint. family and Congressman John Dingell Then many years later, John Din- I had a unique relationship with Con- for as long as he can remember, and gell—I don’t even know how this hap- gressman Dingell, who we lovingly whose father served with Congressman pens—he did whatever you do to name called ‘‘The Dean’’ in Michigan. Be- Dingell, and was also once the dean of the Federal courthouse in Detroit after cause I was a young activist, ‘‘radical,’’ the Michigan delegation, Congressman my great uncle. He did not tell Con- always out there protesting for clean ANDY LEVIN. I know this means a lot to gressman Sander Levin and he did not air, protesting for good-paying jobs, the gentleman. tell Senator Carl Levin about this at and he was the person who, even Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman all until it was a done deal. He didn’t though we had different styles and dif- from Michigan, (Mr. LEVIN). want any sense, I guess, of conflict of ferent approaches to various issues, he Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, interest or whatever. He was doing this never reduced or tried to silence my I thank the gentleman for yielding. for his own sake. This was his mentor. voice and many of the voices of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:06 Feb 14, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13FE7.090 H13FEPT1 February 13, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1571 young people who were really trying to bors. Again, from someone who has will ever match his record of accom- get the Clean Air Act to be put in place such a huge and powerful presence and plishment. and have corporate polluters be held from me, this young activist who car- So we have had so many new Mem- accountable. ries a bullhorn in her car, and I could bers come to the House this year won- As I transitioned into elected office sit next to this amazing, incredible per- dering how to learn, how to be an effec- in the Michigan Legislature and be- son and feel heard, feel seen, and be on tive Member, and how to serve their came a State representative, within a a panel with him and serve with him in country. They could not do any better few months of being a State represent- so many powerful ways around our en- than to study the life of John Dingell ative, there was a corporate billionaire vironmental justice issues. in his nearly six decades of service to who owned a bridge, and there was this I will forever remember the humbling this country and to this House. whole, huge controversy around wheth- experience as his last ride in front of I am so pleased that DEBBIE DINGELL er or not he had a permit or whether or the Capitol, to have been serving now continues to serve the district, a dis- not he was following the environ- in this Chamber that he served for 59 trict served by John and John’s father. mental impact statement process that years, 11 different Presidents. I was I thank the gentleman from Michigan is there on the Federal level. telling my 13-year-old son about him. for inviting a California member and This is a community where one in He said: I want to look him up. I want taking just a bit of his time. five children has asthma. This is the to find out. Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow community I was raised in. It was the I said: You need to, because he is a we will lay Congressman John Dingell first issue that came before me as a rarity. to rest, and it will be a painful time. member of the State legislature in I hope to honor his tremendous leg- But we can take a lot of comfort in the Michigan, and I was at a loss. Many acy by doing the same thing he did, be- contribution that he has made, not just people said, Congressman Dingell, The cause I know there will be a generation to this body but to the quality of life in Dean, has historical, institutional after me that may be different and may this country; and as individuals with knowledge of this company, and you have a different style, and I never want our own perspective, our own experi- should sit down with him and talk to to ever shush or silence them in any ence here, we can take some comfort in him. way and I want them to be heard just knowing that his wife—the love of his I was completely taken aback and like he did for me. life—will continue his legacy by serv- could not believe that Congressman So I want to thank him from the bot- ing here with us side by side. Our hearts go out to her. I know this Dingell reached out to me right away tom of my heart for teaching me so is a very difficult time for the Dingell and also got my residents at that time much. I am just so pleased to have been family, but especially for DEBBIE. They a hearing, which you don’t usually get serving by his side in many ways, but loved one another. They were insepa- with the U.S. Coast Guard, a hearing also that he served me and my family rable. They were one. I know this will that happened in a public school right for so many years. in the center of the neighborhood that be a difficult time for her. We stand I thank Congressman KILDEE so with her. was directly impacted. much for allowing me to speak about We had over 500 residents that finally Mr. Speaker, John Dingell served my dear friend, Congressman John Din- felt heard, many of them giving testi- with 11 Presidents and 11 Speakers of gell. the House. Mr. Speaker, 2,419 Members mony after testimony of why a cor- Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank poration needed to follow the rules, of Congress served with him. He served Congresswoman TLAIB. 21,551 days in this House and cast over needed to follow the processes for the Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman EPA, the Federal Highway Administra- 25,000 votes. But as he would say and from California (Mr. SHERMAN), who has said many times: It is not the lon- tion, and the number of entities that served a very long time—most of his gevity that counts, it is the way you were involved in possibly a new bridge career—here in the House side by side crossing. serve. with Congressman John Dingell. Con- He served in a way that brought b 1900 gressman BRAD SHERMAN is a member honor to this Congress and made it a What I also incredibly loved is I re- of the Financial Services Committee better institution. He led in a way that member sitting on a panel about immi- and the Foreign Affairs Committee and made this country a better place. And gration reform with Congressman Din- a good friend of Congressman John I know for each of us who came to the gell at the University of Michigan-Ann Dingell. floor and each of us who served with Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I was in Arbor. As a city and State rep, I re- him, he not only made us better Rep- my office watching these tributes to member coming in to the capitol, driv- resentatives of the people whom we the dean, and after a while I couldn’t ing about an hour or so. It was a very work for, but he made us better people. cold day, and I believe it was snowing. just sit there and watch. I realized this We honor John Dingell’s life and leg- I was disheveled, as I usually am, and is an hour devoted to remembrances acy. I looked to him—if you know Congress- from his colleagues from Michigan, and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance man Dingell, Mr. Speaker, he always I thank Congressman KILDEE for allow- of my time. ing a humble Californian to partici- had the cane, and he would put his f cane right between his two knees and pate. RECESS just sit there, and he would look up America is healthier because of John from his glasses. Dingell. Less tobacco is smoked now The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I looked at him, and I said: Congress- than decades ago because of John Din- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair man Dingell, I just don’t know how you gell. Our air is cleaner. Our water is declares the House in recess subject to have been doing it for so long. This is cleaner. We are healthier, and we are the call of the Chair. so hard because they lie. closer to completely universal Accordingly (at 7 o’clock and 6 min- He looked at me, and he said—I just healthcare than we have ever been in utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. loved what he said, because he turned our history because of John Dingell. f Not only is our environment to me, and he always called me young b 2337 lady—he said: Young lady, there is a healthier and our bodies are healthier, saying in India that if you stand still our country is healthier because of AFTER RECESS enough at the riverbank—stand still— what John Dingell did to move forward The recess having expired, the House that your enemies will float by dead. the fight for civil rights in this coun- was called to order by the Speaker pro I have no idea why, but that calmed try. tempore (Mr. CUELLAR) at 11 o’clock me because he was teaching me still- John is the dean of the Michigan del- and 37 minutes p.m. ness, but he was also teaching me pa- egation, but he belongs to us, too. He is f tience. I just felt so much better after- the dean of the House. He is the dean of ward. the House for all time. I doubt that any RECESS We had an incredible panel that up- Member will ever match his record of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lifted so many of our immigrant neigh- tenure, but I know that no Member ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair

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