Dingell, Levin Honored For Distinguished Public Service

DEARBORN (AP) — Two retired Michigan congressmen are being awarded the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service at a ceremony Monday night in Washington.

The medal is presented to John Dingell and Carl Levin by the Grand Rapids-based Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

Levin and Dingell did not seek re-election last year. Dingell of Dearborn retired after 59 years in the U.S. House. Levin of Detroit spent 36 years in the U.S. Senate.

Ford Presidential Foundation Chair Red Cavaney described Dingell in a statement as "a congressional giant" who "wielded the gavel as Energy and Commerce chairman with a strong, determined hand, always with the interests of the nation first."

Cavaney said Levin is "greatly esteemed on both sides of the political aisle for his integrity, resourcefulness and diligence."