The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING RICHARD TRUMKA
______
speech of
HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Ms. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 441, a former labor lawyer, and current co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, I rise today to honor Richard Trumka's life, work, and unwavering commitment to America's workers.
The son of Pennsylvania coal miners, Trumka was a relentless and outspoken advocate for the rights of all workers. While he was a giant in the fight for workers' rights, he was also a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. My thoughts remain with his family and all those who knew and loved him.
As President of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka fought for justice. He helped make the labor movement more inclusive, standing with immigrant and undocumented workers and calling out racism.
I was proud to work with Richard Trumka throughout my time in Congress, and most recently on the U.S. Citizenship Act. He understood that our immigration system enables employers to exploit migrant workers with impunity and undermine the rights of all workers. He knew that building power and transforming the lives of working people would require bold, structural changes to our nation's immigration and labor laws.
From his time at the Mineworkers to his last days leading the AFL-
CIO, Trumka created a legacy of championing labor. He made tangible changes that improved the lives of working families, enabling more people to work in safer conditions and receive better pay and benefits.
I will miss Richard Trumka, as will so many who worked with him and countless others whose lives were made better by his passion and leadership. I'm deeply proud to have had the honor of calling him my friend. And I am confident that his memory will live on in the progress he made for workers across America.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 192
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