02.08.2019 / Press Release

“Thank you, Rep. Dingell for your tireless work to bring health care to all of America’s families.”

Washington, D.C. – Families USA executive director Frederick Isasi released the following statement regarding the passing of former Rep. John Dingell (D-MI):

“Our spirits are somber over the passing of former Rep. John Dingell. He was so much more than the longest-serving member in Congress. He was one who carried the people of Michigan, and all Americans in his spirit during his nearly 60 years of service. He was a giant of the House of Representatives.

“There are many hallmarks of his leadership we should point to and celebrate. As an up-and-coming member, he was given the honor of wielding the gavel when the House passed legislation to create Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Rep. Dingell was a true zealot for ‘health care for all,’ and his passion never dimmed. We saw it during his 16 years as chairman and 12 years as ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and when at the start of each Congress he introduced his own bill for national health insurance. He simply never gave up on health care because more than any piece of legislation, he cared deeply about the health of the people.

“Rep. Dingell was well-deserving of the “Dean” moniker. He served with endearing grit, humor, dignity and a nobility that inspired decorum.

“His was a light that shone brightly, and we are inspired today by the beam of his leadership; let us hope that his presence will never fade. We echo House Speaker Pelosi’s sentiment that Rep. Dingell was ‘one of the greatest American legislators of our time.’ We’ve lost a true statesman.

“Thank you, Rep. Dingell for your tireless work to bring health care to all of America’s families.”