John Dingell

“There is no more important task for a member of Congress than to be a check on the executive branch.”

“I've always said that if I could have one wish, it would be that the people of this country would understand their government.”

“If you let me write the procedure and I let you write the substance, I'll screw you every time.”

“You can't get 'em if you don't go after 'em.”

“You're never going to get everything you want in a compromise, but you've got to be willing to compromise.”

“The role of a legislator is to be an umpire.”

“I have always believed that this is a nation of immigrants. I have always believed that this is a nation that has been blessed by the contributions of immigrants.”

“I'm the toughest old bird in this town. I've been here longer than anybody, and I'm gonna be here longer than anybody.”

“I don't legislate for the past. I legislate for the future.”

“A hospital bed is a parked taxi with the meter running.”

“Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

“I have been privileged to be a participant in the great events of our time.”

“The power of the speaker is the power of recognition.”