Statement by US Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez
on Rep. John Dingell's retirement

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today issued the following statement about Rep. John Dingell's retirement after 58 years in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"John Dingell is, plain and simple, a legend. His service to Michigan and the nation — in terms of both longevity and statesmanship — is unmatched, and his leadership will be sorely missed.

"For nearly six decades, he has been a giant in the House of Representatives. From his devotion to health care reform going back to the passage of Medicare, to his environmental record, to his tireless work on behalf of the manufacturing sector and the auto industry, he is one of American history's most accomplished legislators.

"And amassing this record was possible because he believed in consensus and principled compromise, in putting the interests of the nation over the interests of any political party.

"We're all grateful to Congressman Dingell and wish him all the best in retirement."