Congressman John D. Dingell

March 3, 2008

Washington, DC - One of America’s best known child advocacy organizations, the Children's Defense Fund Action Council (CDFAC) named Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) one of the "Best Representatives for Children" based upon his voting record during the first session of the 110th Congress. On the CDFAC’s, 2007 Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard, which grades every Member of Congress based on key votes affecting children, Congressman Dingell voted to protect the health and well being of Michigan’s children 100 percent of the time.  Congressman Dingell is the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce and helped author the original Children’s Health Insurance Program and last year’s extension that would provide additional benefits to 10 million uninsured children.

CDFAC also praised the Congressman for supporting access and quality improvements in Head Start and additional funds for student loans.

“I applaud Congressman Dingell for his commitment to improving the lives of children in Michigan,” said CDFAC President Marian Wright Edelman.  “With 9.4 million uninsured children in America and nearly 13 million living in poverty, it is critical that we have Representatives committed to making children a priority.   Representative Dingell is a dedicated advocate for children and has truly earned the distinction of being one of the best Representatives for children.”

In response, Congressman Dingell said: “When you know you have helped one child get healthcare that otherwise might not have been able to, that is honestly reward enough. I am honored and humbled that a group like the Children’s Defense Fund, which has helped thousands of children over decades of work, would say such kind things about me. I am committed to continuing this fight and to helping elect a President who takes the protection of children seriously. It’s time to stop using children as pawns in a political game.”

CDFAC developed an interactive map and other online tools to show how Members of Congress voted by state. To see the interactive map as well as the 2007 Congressional Scorecard in its entirety, which includes the grades of all Members of Congress, visit: http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_home.