Published on February 8, 2019
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is saddened to learn of the death of our dear friend, former Rep. John Dingell of Michigan. As the longest-serving member of Congress in history, Congressman Dingell was a champion for affordable and accessible health care for all, presiding over the House vote that approved Medicare in 1965 and playing an instrumental role in the creation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). No one fought harder to ensure all Americans have access to quality health care.
Congressman Dingell continued the fight for universal health care started by his father, former Congressman John Dingell, Sr., who was one of the first people to introduce comprehensive health care reform in Congress. Although the elder Dingell did not see his bill pass, his son carried on those efforts when he assumed office, introducing a health care bill at the start of every Congress until Medicare was passed in 1965, and then again until he witnessed President Obama sign the ACA into law in 2010. Many aspects of Congressman Dingell’s national health insurance bill were enacted into law under his leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee from 1981 to 1995.
Congressman Dingell was a longtime friend and supporter of the Prevent Cancer Foundation®. His wife, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, whom he affectionately called “The Lovely Deborah,” was one of the co-founders of the Foundation’s Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program in 1991. Our thoughts are with Rep. Debbie Dingell and the entire Dingell family.
