Dean Of The House Challenges Congress To Stay In Session

Dean of the House Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) challenged Congress to stay in session until ” we can accomplish something of value, something worthwhile for the American people.”

In a Politico Op-Ed published late Wednesday evening, Dingell expressed his frustration with the political atmosphere that has engulfed Capitol Hill and argued that, thus far, the 112th Congress has been spinning its wheels and has failed at being a productive legislative body. 

“We’ve wasted the time of this great institution in a fashion worthy of the dreamiest kindergartener,” Dingell said. “I’m not willing to say Congress is broken. I am, however, ready to say that we need some repair work.”

Dingell, the longest-serving member in the House, challenged Congress to remain in Washington until it takes significant steps towards resolving the wide-array of issues currently facing the country. 

“There are traditionally bipartisan proposals in these areas,” Dingel wrote. “There is no reason there shouldn’t be today if members of Congress are willing to put their country ahead of their career.”

Click Here to read the full text of Dingell’s challenge to Congress… 

Pipeline Safety Bill Edges Closer To House Floor

The House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed a bill aimed at implementing stronger safety standards for the future of pipeline construction.

In a 51-0 vote, the Pipeline Infrastructure and Community Protection Act of 2011 sailed through the committee and is one step closer to being considered on the House floor.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Committee Chair Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), includes measures that would mandate that all new pipelines be fashioned with manual and automatic shut-off valves, including the potential for retrofitting existing pipelines as a preventative measure.

“The bill expands the integrity management program while phasing out class location requirements, thereby putting a stronger safety standard in place while taking steps to remove redundant regulations,” Dingell said during his prepared remarks. “I believe we should work to send this bill to the President’s desk and urge all members to support this bill.”

Before the bill heads to the floor of the House, it must be consolidated with a version passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill out of the Transportation and Infrastructure excludes a majority of the safety protections standards being sought by House Democrats, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Senate Commerce Committee also passed its own version of the bill but is currently stalled in the upper chamber.

The Pipeline Infrastructure and Community Protection Act is expected to be considered by the House within the next month, sources indicate.