WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) released the following statement in response to today’s announcement that the main Energy and Commerce Committee hearing room will be named in honor of former Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Dingell (D-MI). House Speaker John Boehner made the announcement at today’s official congressional celebration of Rep. Dingell, who last week became the longest-serving Member of Congress in the history of the United States.
“John Dingell is a congressional giant, and he wielded the gavel as Energy and Commerce Chairman with a strong, determined hand, always with the interests of the nation first," said Upton. “John Dingell will forever be synonymous with Michigan, Congress, and his beloved Energy and Commerce Committee. I can think of a no more fitting recognition than to have the name of my friend and colleague gracing our proud and storied committee room. Now, when future generations arrive at 2123 Rayburn to watch the people’s business, they will immediately be reminded of the rich and historic legacy of the distinguished gentleman from Michigan."
Dingell has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since December 1955. Before Upton became Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in 2011, Dingell served as Chairman from 1981 to 1994 and again from 2007 to 2008.
