U.S. Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress ever, will be retiring from his position this year, USA TODAY reported.
Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, told the Detroit Free Press that he came to the decision at the end of his 29th term, citing a list of achievements and frustration with hyperpartisanship.
News of Dingell's departure comes after multiple members of the House and Senate announced their decisions to end their time in Congress. Democrats Henry Waxman and George Miller of California and Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan will not be returning either.
Despite rumors that swirled on Capitol Hill about his plans to retire, Dingell sent an email to constituents suggesting otherwise, when he promised to fight for extended unemployment benefits "to protect the many workers and industries important to southeast Michigan." He also said he would "continue to reiterate to my colleagues that the words 'compromise' and 'conciliation' should not be considered dirty words in Washington."
According to USA Today, Dingell, 87, is expected to notify his staff on Monday and officially announce the news at a luncheon at the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce in Southgate.
Many people took to social media to thank Dingell for his extensive service.
"Congrats to Rep. @john_dingell. A patriot and game-changing environmental, food safety & renewable energy advocate. Thanks for your service," Acore CEO John Brower tweeted.
"Privileged to honor my friend and former colleague, Rep. @john_dingell, as the longest-serving Member of Congress in history in D.C. today," Donald Rumsfeld tweeted.
