WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered flags at federal government buildings and military facilities to be flown at half-staff in honor of late former Congressman John Dingell.
In a proclamation, Trump said flags will be lowered until sunset on Saturday "as a mark of respect for the memory and long standing service" of Dingell, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history.
The Michigan Democrat "died peacefully at his home in Dearborn" Thursday at the age of 92 after a long battle with cancer.
He was first elected to the House in a 1955 special election following the death of his father, John D. Dingell, Sr.
The younger Dingell, taking over his father's seat, served until his retirement in 2014 after nearly six decades in the House. He played an important role in passing the Affordable Care Act in 2010, popularly known as Obamacare.
His wife, Debbie Dingell, ran for his seat and is now serving her third term.
"Deepest sympathies to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and the entire family of John Dingell," Trump tweeted Friday.
"Longest serving Congressman in Country's history which, if people understand politics, means he was very smart. A great reputation and highly respected man," the president said of Dingell.
Dingell's former colleagues paid tribute to him on the floor of the U.S. House on Friday morning.
Dingell had been a prolific tweeter and a vocal critic of Trump.
