[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 173 (Friday, November 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOE BILLER

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today I want to extend warmest 80th 
birthday wishes to a stalwart of the trade union movement--Moe Biller, 
president of the American Postal Workers Union. Moe was born November 
5, 1915, in New York City, where he graduated with honors from Seward 
Park High School. After attending City College of New York, he served 
in the Army's Adjutant General Corps from 1943 to 1945.
  He began his professional career as a postal clerk in New York City 
in 1937. After returning from the service, Moe recognized the strength 
and importance of the union. He became active in the New York area, 
where he was elected to many union positions of trust and leadership. 
At various times, he has held virtually all leadership positions within 
his own union, and has been elected to the executive council of the 
AFL-CIO, the organization's policy-setting body. He is also executive 
vice president of the AFL-CIO Public Employee Department.
  In the military, the highest accolade that can be given to a 
commanding officer is that he was a soldier's general. For his 
leadership, Moe Biller has been known as a member's leader.
  In New York's sometimes tumultuous labor history, Moe never let his 
members down; and, in turn, they have always given him their confidence 
and support. He has not failed them at the bargaining table, and he has 
never been afraid to lead. He has always been a strong, effective, 
powerful voice for working men and women. It was not always easy. 
Recognizing the winds of change, Moe was a key player in the committee 
that brought the merger of five predecessor unions into what is now the 
APWU.
  Beyond dealing with employers, Moe Biller has also served the 
interests of his members in the society at large and worked to extend 
the reach of the union to those who were sometimes excluded. He has 
been active in many outreach organizations, especially Cornell 
University's Trade Union Women Studies Program and the A. Philip 
Randolph Institute.
  Moe has also gone beyond the union movement to serve others. Among 
the numerous charitable organizations to which he has contributed his 
considerable talents are the Leukemia Society of America, the Muscular 
Dystrophy Association, United Way International, and the Combined 
Federal Campaign.
  As we wish Moe, his sons Michael and Steven and his wife Colee and 
daughter Aleesa our best on his 80th birthday, we should all remember 
he always went the extra mile for his members, his union, and his 
country. Happy birthday, Moe Biller.

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