Senators Brater, Basham, Clark-Coleman, Hammerstrom, Patterson, Bernero, Prusi, Jacobs, Barcia, Thomas, Leland, Olshove, Emerson, Cherry and Switalski offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 73.

            A resolution commending Congressman John Dingell for his achievements on the occasion of his fiftieth year of service in the United States House of Representatives.

            Whereas, December 13, 2005, marks the fiftieth anniversary of Congressman John Dingell’s service in the United States House of Representatives.  Congressman Dingell began his career as a member of the United States House of Representatives in 1955.  He is the longest-serving Representative of the 435-member body; and

            Whereas, Congressman Dingell has gone out of his way to befriend and advocate for his constituents.  He is a generous and warm-spirited gentleman who extends a hand of genuine friendship and respect to all the elected officials, community leaders, and citizens of his district.  He has taken the lead in a multitude of key policy areas during his fifty years in Congress, including labor, health care, civil rights, fair economic and governmental policy principles, and conservation. Through the ups and downs of ten administrations in Washington, Congressman Dingell has been a champion of many special causes; and

            Whereas, Congressman Dingell is known for his overwhelming concern for the rights and safety of working men and women.  His legislative work on labor and the economy has included promotion of higher wages for workers, protection of the rights of workers and consumers, prevention of large-scale outsourcing, and implementation of fair trade.  Congressman Dingell has been a leader in universal health care coverage and health care for women, children, and senior citizens.  He has authored laws to create affordable and comprehensive health care; and

            Whereas, Congressman Dingell has constantly fought for equality and justice.  He has been at the forefront of the struggle for fairness and equity, equal access to higher education for minorities, and prevention of racial profiling and hate crimes; and

            Whereas, Congressman Dingell is a strong conservationist and has created landmark environmental protection statutes for clean water, public health, pollution prevention, endangered species, wildlife refuge, habitat preservation, environmental consequences in business, and implementation of environmentalism in corporate policies.  He has represented the Great Lakes State well and has worked to preserve the heritage, history, culture, and natural resources that the state of Michigan harbors; and

            Whereas, Congressman Dingell has foregone the peace and rest of retirement that he long ago earned in order to continue serving the public.  As the Dean of the Congress, he is in a singular position to articulate and effect needed change in public policy, and we are grateful that he continues to be willing to labor on our behalf; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we salute Congressman John Dingell on the occasion of his fiftieth anniversary of service in the United States House of Representatives.  We wish him many more years of health, happiness, and productive public service; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Congressman John Dingell in celebration and in gratitude for his fifty years of unwavering efforts to build a better community.