[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 54 (Tuesday, May 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H2748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL COLLINS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BONIOR. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity 
today to honor a truly wonderful person with whom I was proud to join 
in a number of important battles, Mike Collins. Michael Collins died in 
February at the age of 55.
  He was the General Secretary-Treasurer of the Pipefitters Union, and 
he was, indeed, a fighter for working men and women. He fought so 
strongly because he believed that the labor movement was the most 
effective way to help working families earn a better life.
  At the 35th UA General Convention, Mike reflected on his first 
elected position in much the same way many of us in Congress have done. 
Let me quote from his remarks. He said, ``My anxiety level was so high, 
my hands were shaking, and my heart was pounding. I was only 31 years 
old then, and I was awed by the thought that I had been elected to lead 
the fine men and women of my local union, and I prayed to God that I 
would be up to the task.''
  ``The people wanted to know what kind of man they had elected, 
whether I would have the right stuff or whether I would fumble the 
ball. I learned a very important lesson that night. I learned that the 
hard job is not just getting elected, it is what comes later, when the 
tough decisions have to be made and the inevitable disappointments have 
to be endured.''
  It is this sense of dedication and determination and humility that 
made Mike so special. He never lost his perspective of the broader 
goals, to help working men and women have a decent quality of life.
  Over the next 25 years that followed Mike's first election, not only 
did he not fumble, he picked up the ball, and he seemingly never 
stopped running.
  After leading Local 5 for a number of years, he was appointed by the 
international to serve as Legislative Director in the legislative 
department. That is when I first met him.
  We fought many a battle together in these Halls, in this building, 
and across the streets in the offices where we worked, battles for a 
decent wage for people, battles for decent health care, battles to make 
sure that people had pensions, that those pensions were not taken from 
them, battles for worker safety.
  It was not that long ago, Mike remembered this well, that we lost 
35,000 people a year to industrial accidents in this country, 35,000 a 
year; 500,000 maimed. He cared deeply about workers and about their 
safety and their families.
  He eventually rose to the rank of General Secretary-Treasurer where 
his leadership positioned the UA to continue to grow in the next 
century.
  Mike's public life was devoted to the labor movement, yet the same 
characteristics that made him successful, his leadership, his loyalty, 
his moral strength, and his force of character made him truly special 
to his family and friends.
  His twin brother Terry paid Mike the ultimate testimonial at his 
funeral service when he stated, and I quote, ``Kathleen, Brian, Mickey, 
Kevin, Maggie, and Karen, my heart aches. Kathleen, you were the center 
point of support on which Mike's life turned. As I mourn him, I 
celebrate the 34 years of his marriage. He truly had a special partner. 
He loved you dearly.
  ``To his children, I'm not sure what to say because I cannot think of 
anything you do not already know. He was a giant of a man whose imprint 
has been passed and will be passed on for generations to come. You, 
along with your mom, were his most precious treasures.''
  I certainly do not think it could have been said better. I know that 
Mike cared deeply about his family and his faith, and he had true 
passion for helping people. He fought many battles. We fought many 
battles together.
  I was honored and proud to join such a tireless fighter who never 
gave up. Yet, Mike was one of those rare individuals who could fight 
with dogged tenacity while still being able to laugh and smile, and 
laugh at himself and not take himself too seriously.
  He was such a pleasure to have on your team. He could always make you 
feel good just by being around him. He truly enjoyed life. Those of us 
who shared his friendship and his ideals will truly miss him.
  To his family, many of whom are here with us today, thank you for all 
the support you gave Mike throughout the years. Few had his resolve and 
strength to fight for the working men and women of this country and 
with the tenacity that Mike Collins brought to that task.
  Those who knew him know that his strength came from his family, and 
for that, we all owe a great deal of thanks to each and every one of 
you.
  So, Mike, if you are listening up there, and I am sure you are, rest 
assured that you have many loyal fans and people who love you and who 
will continue to do the good work that you performed in this body and 
throughout the Halls of this Congress. Your values are the values that 
we will continue to sustain and maintain and fight for as long as we 
are in public service. To your family, we wish you all the best. You 
gave us a real champion in Mike Collins.

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