WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) released the following statement upon the news that former Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman and fellow Michigan colleague John D. Dingell (D-MI) will retire at the end of the 113th Congress. 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. Last year, Upton named the main committee hearing room in 2123 Rayburn in honor of John Dingell.
“I have had the privilege of working with John Dingell as a staffer, fellow Michigan colleague, and followed in his footsteps as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
“It has been a real pleasure working closely with ‘Big John’ through the years on a number of issues facing our country. From spearheading the recovery of the auto industry, to ensuring our drug safety laws are complete, to updating our pipeline safety standards, he and I have had a strong bipartisan partnership. And, on the occasion we may disagree, we’ve never been disagreeable. The term ‘legendary’ will always be associated with the name ‘John Dingell.’ Following in his father’s footsteps, John always put his beloved Michigan constituents first throughout his nearly six decades of public service.
“He assembled a strong and loyal staff who truly admired being on his team. By any standard, he will not only be viewed as the ‘Dean of the House,’ but also one with an incredible record of getting the job done.
“John and Debbie are dear friends, and Amey and I wish them our heartfelt best as they embark upon this new chapter."
