WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats gave the gavel to the longest-serving House member ever as the chamber began debating legislation overhauling the country's health care system.

Rep. John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, was given the honor of presiding Saturday at the start of what was expected to be a lengthy, contentious debate. Dingell joined the House in 1955, replacing his late father, and has introduced his father's national health insurance bill every year since.

After Dingell banged the gavel for the first time, Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., said he "has had reform of health care in his blood."

Dingell, 83, said many lawmakers have worked on the issue and added, "the nation will be grateful to us all."