The Honorable John D. Dingell Jr. (D-MI)

Shortly before passing away in February, Rep. John D. Dingell Jr., the longest serving Member of Congress in history, had a final message for America: “In democratic government, elected officials do not have power. They hold power - in trust for the people who elected them.” Rep. Dingell certainly earned that trust in his almost six decades of representing his constituents in Michigan.

Enlisting in the Armed Forces in 1944, Rep. Dingell later graduated from Georgetown University in 1949, opting to remain to complete his law degree in 1952. His direct exposure to Capitol Hill began when he served as a House Page from 1938-1943, and was later elected to Congress in 1955, winning the special election to fill his late father’s seat in the House. Over his six decades in Congress, he participated in many historic votes, including the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, which he considered the two most important votes of his legislative career. Throughout his time in Congress, he helped pass Medicare, sponsored the Endangered Species Act, and chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee for more than 16 years. He also reintroduced his father’s universal health care bill at the beginning of every term, and was present when President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010.

After he retired from Congress in 2014, Rep. Dingell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama. He became known for his witty and often humorous social media content, christened the “Dean of Twitter.” His wife, Debbie Dingell was elected in 2014 to fill the seat he vacated and continues to represent Michigan’s 12th District

Earlier this year, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, named in his honor, was enacted. The new law permanently reauthorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

In addition to this namesake legislation, Rep. Dingell will be remembered for his tireless leadership, endless devotion to his constituents, and an ability to yield his intelligence and wit like no other Member of Congress. 

The Congressional Management Foundation is proud to posthumously honor Rep. John Dingell with the 2019 Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The Honorable John S. McCain III (R-AZ)

Having served his constituents in Arizona for over thirty years, first as a Member of the House of Representatives and then as a six-term Senator, John Sidney McCain III left an indelible mark on our nation through his military and public service.

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1958, he served as a Naval Aviator for 22 years, which included fighting in the Vietnam War. After his plane was shot down in 1967, he was held as a prisoner of war for over five years before his release and return to the United States. His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following his return to the United States, McCain's final assignment with the Navy was to serve as the naval liaison to the Senate. His vast legislative career includes serving two terms in the United States House of Representatives before his election to the Senate in 1986. In 2008, he was the Republican Party's nominee for President of the United States.

As a legislator, Senator McCain was known as a "maverick," often bucking his party on issues he felt conflicted with his values. He served as Chairman of the Senate Committees on Indian Affairs, Commerce, Science and Transportation, and most recently, Armed Services.

McCain's greatest legislative achievement was arguably the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, commonly called the McCain-Feingold Act, which was signed into law in 2002. Throughout this legislative career, Sen. McCain achieved numerous accolades, including the Eisenhower Leadership Prize, the Henry M. Jackson Distinguished Service Award, the World Leadership Forum's Policymaker of the Year, and the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center. He authored seven books, and a recent HBO documentary, For Whom the Bell Tolls, chronicled his life and legacy, as well as his battle with brain cancer.

In a testament to the respect he commanded on each side of the aisle, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, both former political rivals to Sen. McCain, delivered eulogies at his funeral service in 2018.

With his deep commitment to public service and love of the country he served with dignity and grace, Senator McCain has inspired countless Americans to pursue their higher calling.

The Congressional Management Foundation is proud to posthumously honor Senator John McCain with the 2019 Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement.