Longest-serving House member Dingell hospitalized after casting last vote

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, Rep. John Dingell, was hospitalized Thursday just after casting his last ever vote in the House.

The 88-year-old Michigan Democrat was admitted to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and was put under observation, his staff said.

Representatives wouldn't reveal what symptom prompted the hospitalization, but said Dingell was resting comfortably.

The medical concern comes on the heels of two falls, one of which injured the congressman several weeks ago. He fell again earlier this week and visited his doctor.

He addressed the most recent fall with a couple of tweets.

Took a spill & had to watch floor tribute from the doc's office. Bruised my hip and my ego, but heading home & back to work in the morning.

— John Dingell (@john_dingell) December 9, 2014

Turns out these old Polish bones of mine are stronger than ever & I didn't break anything. Thanks to my colleagues for all their kind words!

— John Dingell (@john_dingell) December 9, 2014

The congressman also underwent a minor heart procedure earlier this year.

Dingell is retiring at the end of this term and cast his final vote in the House on Thursday. He was expected to return home to Michigan on Saturday.

Honored to cast my final vote on behalf of the proud people of Michigan.

To this day, I consider myself the luckiest guy in shoe leather.

— John Dingell (@john_dingell) December 12, 2014

Dingell's wife, Debbie, was elected in November to take over his seat in the House. He took office 59 years ago after a special election to replace his father.

And no, you're not done with me just yet, Twitter.

— John Dingell (@john_dingell) December 12, 2014