In a speech sponsored by the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) on Tuesday, Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI) (COL ‘49, LAW ‘52) addressed topics from healthcare reform to the national budget to the future of his home state.

A Georgetown alumnus, Dingell started by sharing memories from his time on the Hilltop, which during his time here was “bursting at the seams”—he recalled that campus was composed simply of New North, Old North, Copley, and White Gravenor.

Dingell’s numerous insights (and jokes) about the government are a result of his vast experience in Congress. Currently in his 29^th term serving Michigan’s 15^th district, Dingell is the longest continuously-serving representative in history, having assumed office in 1955.

Dingell predicted that the most important issue facing the current session of Congress is the nation’s budget. Regarding efforts to reduce debt, Dingell stressed that education, healthcare, and infrastructure must not suffer the consequences of budget cuts.

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