John Dingell suffers heart attack, said to be ‘in good spirits’
Former Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), 92, suffered a heart attack Monday morning but is “alert and in good spirits,” according to his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.).
“It appears John Dingell had a heart attack early this morning. He’s alert and in good spirits, cracking jokes like always,” Debbie Dingell said in a brief statement.
{mosads}“He’s in the process of being admitted to Henry Ford Hospital. Our sincere thanks to all the medical professionals and nurses at our sides. We’ll know more later.”
John Dingell retired from Congress in January of 2015 after 60 years on Capitol Hill, where he shaped some of the most significant legislation of modern times. He was, and remains, the longest-serving member of Congress in the nation’s history.
He replaced his father in the House when the elder Dingell died in office in 1955 and went on to play a crucial role in the establishment of Medicare, the Civil Rights Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare.
In announcing his retirement in 2014, Dingell lamented the bitter tone and partisanship that’s defined Congress in recent years.
“I find serving in the House to be obnoxious,” Dingell said at the time. “It’s become very hard because of the acrimony and bitterness.”
Debbie Dingell replaced him in Michigan’s 12th District, which includes Dearborn and the western suburbs of Detroit.
Since his retirement, John Dingell has gained a reputation as a prolific and cheeky commentator on Twitter, where he’s been a sharp critic of the Trump administration.
His last tweet was posted Sunday, as he was apparently watching an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Two late missed field goals in that contest left the game in a tie.
“Beginning to think I could be an NFL kicker,” he quipped.
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