Pelosi: Rep. Dingell is a ‘living legend’

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday said Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), who will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom later this month, is a “living legend.”

The White House announced Monday that President Obama will present Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress in history, who is retiring at the end of this Congress, with the medal on Nov. 24.

{mosads}Pelosi noted his work since he was first elected in 1955 on civil rights, food safety and healthcare reform.

“John Dingell defines public service and leadership,” Pelosi said. “Congressman Dingell is a living legend, and it has been my immense honor to serve in Congress alongside him.”

“In 1965, Dingell held the gavel in his hand as Medicare became the law of the land — the same gavel it was my privilege to hold as we passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010,” Pelosi added.

In a statement Monday night, Dingell said he was “humbled” by the presentation of the medal.

“There are few words that could accurately describe my thoughts and feelings in receiving this wonderful honor,” Dingell said. “I am most humbled by this recognition, and I thank President Obama for his kindness in awarding me this prestigious honor.” 

Dingell served as a powerful chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for a total of 16 years from 1981-1995 and 2007-2009. But, while Pelosi was Speaker, Democrats booted Dingell from the chairmanship to be replaced with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).