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John Dingell, longest-serving congressman in U.S. history, turns 90

John Dingell
John Dingell

John Dingell turns 90 today, meaning he's spent barely over one-third of his life not representing Southeast Michigan in Congress. 

With 59 years of service, Dingell remains the longest-serving congressman in the history of the United States. His wife, Debbie, succeeded him as the representative from Michigan's 12th Congressional District when he retired in 2014. 

Dingell is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and in recent years has developed a cult following on Twitter -- not exactly a hotbed of octogenarian politicians. 

In honor of Dingell's birthday, greetings are pouring in from around the country. Among the more noteworthy was this one from Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who invited Dingell to come to Washington, D.C., so he could hunt squirrels on the Capitol lawn. 

Thanks @SpeakerRyan for a great birthday video for @JohnDingell! He may take you up on your invitation. pic.twitter.com/WJeOkjNeK5 — Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) July 7, 2016

Debbie Dingell threw her husband a party at the Capitol on Thursday, complete with an ice cream sundae bar and a healthy chunk of Michigan's congressional delegation. 

Here's Rep. Fred Upton giving a birthday salute to a fellow University of Michigan graduate: 

Rep. Dingell has also posted a video series of her husband giving short pieces of advice to fellow citizens and politicians, including this one: 

There's no word yet whether Dingell will create his own birthday hashtag. 

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