1996

Dingell introduces and passes into law a bill to end drive through deliveries for hospital maternity stays.  It is one of the many problems he sees resulting from "profits over people"managed care health plans.  The law requires insurance companies to provide 48 hours hospital coverage for a "normal birth"and 96 hours for a cesarean section.  (HR 3436, 104th Congress)

9.27.1996

Dingell comments on the 104th Congress.  In a PBS program opposite Congressman Bliley, Dingell expresses his thoughts on the activities of the Congress for the last two years:  "The 104th Congress is unfortunately going to be remembered most for being the Congress that couldn't pass a budget and then shut down the government - twice. Its major strengths are actually its major failures: the failed attempts to cut Medicare, gut the Clean Water Act, repeal quality standards for nursing homes, slash funding for education and safe and drug-free schools, and more. In the 105th Congress I would like to see us concentrate on the very basic matters of most intense concern to working families and to get away from ideological crusades."(http://www.pbs.org/newshour/forum/september96/commerce_9-27.html)

11.5.1996

Dingell is elected to a 22nd term with 62% of the vote, defeating James DeSana.  Desana was a former Mayor of Wyandotte who became a Republican to run against Dingell.   Dingell carried every precinct in Wyandotte.  Vote results: 136,854 – 78,723.  

Clinton defeats Dole in the Presidential election.