The longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history has announced he will retire at the end of this term after 59 years. Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell is known as a champion of single-payer healthcare and a pioneer of early environmental laws, although he resisted some regulations in defense of Detroit’s auto industry. Dingell has also criticized the deadlock in the current Congress, famously saying during the partial government shutdown last October, “The American people could get better government out of monkey island in the local zoo.” He announced his retirement Monday.

Rep. John Dingell: “Like many of you, I have found great disappointment in this Congress. I want you to know this is not the reason that Debbie and I are leaving the Congress. We are leaving it for quite a different reason, and that is, we want to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet and contentment amongst the people that we have known and loved for so long.”

Dingell’s wife, Debbie Dingell, is reportedly considering a run for her husband’s seat.