Lawmakers highlight Dingell’s last vote after 59 years

House leaders on Thursday marked Rep. John Dingell’s (D-Mich.) last House vote after serving as the longest member of Congress in history.

Dingell is retiring at the end of this Congress after serving since 1955.

{mosads}Before taking a vote on a natural resources bill, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) remarked upon Dingell’s decades of service.

“We have one more vote. That will be the last time that John Dingell votes in this House after 59 years. A great servant of our country,” Hoyer said.

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) closed the House session marking the end of an era with Dingell’s service.

“Let me add my words of congratulation to our good friend, John Dingell, who’s been a mentor to members of both sides of the aisle. My job tonight is to say thank you and Merry Christmas,” Boehner said.

Earlier this week, lawmakers gave an hourlong floor tribute to Dingell.