Congressman John Dingell delivers 'farewell address'

The longest serving congressman in U.S. history said he would be sad to leave the position during his farewell address June 27.

Congressman John Dingell delivered his farewell address to the National Press Club with fond memories and tough comments on the state of Congress today.

"We hear from the members, 'I am against this and I am against that.' Do we ever hear much about what they are for? But more importantly, the question is what are they willing to make a compromise on?" said Dingell.

He argued that emphasis needs to be put on caring for veterans and their families, the active-duty military and the others who rely on the government, rather than goals of having committee names on letterhead.

During his nearly 60 years in the House of Representatives, Dingell was a fierce advocate of the auto industry. He authored the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act, as well as pushed health care reform.

He said, "And we've also been able to move forward to complete all of the goals which I had when I started out. And I'm proud of what I have been able to do."