Reaction pours in for late 'Dean of the House' John Dingell

(FOX 2) - John Dingell, "The Dean of the House" died Thursday night at 92 causing reaction to pour in from local and national politicians alike.

President Barack Obama released a statement in which he and his wife Michelle sent "warm sympathies to Debbie, the entire Dingell family and all the Michiganders and Americans whose lives are better because of his lifetime of service."

Obama wrote how from Medicare to the Civil Rights Act to the Affordable Health Care Act, his impact leading the charge on progress we take for granted, is felt everyday.

"John Dingell's life reminds us that change does not always come with a flash, but instead with a steady, determined effort," Obama said. "He had a long tradition of introducing legislation on the first day of each new Congress to guarantee health care for every single American. Because of him, we've come closer to that vision than ever before. And when we finally achieve it - and we will - we'll all owe him our gratitude."

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi released a statement saying that "Because of his father’s legacy and his own leadership, in 1965, he gaveled Medicare into law. In 2010, it was my privilege to hold that same gavel as we passed the Affordable Care Act."

She tweeted: "America has lost a beloved pillar of the Congress & one of the greatest legislators in our history. @JohnDingell’s entire life was lived in service to our country. His leadership played an important role in the passage of both #Medicare and the #ACA," she tweeted. "We hope it is a comfort to Chairman Dingell’s beloved wife, @RepDebDingell, and their entire family that so many mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time."

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spoke to FOX 2 about the loss.

"It's a great loss for us and the country He was one of a kind I don't think we'll see his like again," said Duggan. "He never took the voters in his district for granted.

"He is from an era when people went to Washington to solve problems ... He had a remarkable way of finding solutions."

Former President Bill Clinton tweeted: "For nearly 60 years, John Dingell represented the people of Michigan with honor, integrity & great good humor. There are few major legislative triumphs since 1955 that he didn’t have a key hand in passing. Hillary & I are grateful to have worked with him & called him our friend."

Former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted about Dingell's Dean of the House nickname.

"He earned that title - not just because he was there the longest - but because he led with great moral courage and vision. He was a friend and I will miss him terribly. Debbie is in my prayers."

Sen. Debbie Stabenow tweeted that she will miss Dingell, who was a longtime friend.

"John D. Dingell - true Michigan and American legend, the Dean of the House and my longtime friend. We have been incredibly lucky to have you and will miss you dearly. Sending my love to @RepDebDingell and all of John's loved ones in this difficult time."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took to Twitter to say:

"We are a stronger , safer, healthier nation because of Congressman Dingell's 59 years of service and his work will continue to improve the lives of Michiganders for generations to come. 

"I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and the entire Dingell family for their loss."

Sen. Corey Booker (D-New Jersey) tweeted his thoughts, saying his heart is with the Dingell family right now.

"John Dingell will be remembered as a legendary public servant who served his constituents honorable for six decades," he said.

US Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California) tweeted "What a life."

"As the longest-serving member of Congress, John Dingell helped increase access to health care, defended the auto industry, and was always good for just the right tweet. Sending @RepDebDingell and the rest of her family all my love."

Congresswoman Haley Stevens said the world has lost a giant "for justice, for healthcare, and for the advancement of American innovation."

She tweeted "My dear friend, John Dingell, a true leader for our country, may you Rest In Peace sir, we will take good care of your beloved Deborah."

More John Dingell coverage:

A life of public service: John Dingell dies at 92

Let It Rip Special: Remembering John Dingell

John Dingell had a Twitter style all his own

Former  Lt. Gov. Brian Calley tweeted: "John Dingell was a national treasure. His memory and his legacy will be long remembered and celebrated."