Dingell Hospitalized; Back to Work ‘in a Day or So’

Naftali Bendavid reports on Congress. Rep. John Dingell , who has served in Congress for 53 years, hasn’t had the best month. Just before Election Day, the Michigan Democrat underwent knee surgery. As a result he has been moving around the Capitol with crutches or a wheelchair. Then, last week, Dingell’s Democratic colleagues voted to remove him from the powerful chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dingell had either chaired the committee or been its top Democrat for 28 years, but Democrats replaced him with Rep. Henry Waxman of California, who is more liberal on energy and climate issues. Finally, Dingell was taken to a Washington-area hospital Tuesday afternoon after feeling ill. Dingell, 82 years old, is dean of the House, meaning he is its longest-serving member, and in February he will overtake Democratic Rep. Jamie Whitten of Mississippi as the longest-serving House member in history. Dingell’s father served in the House for two decades. On ... (link)