[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING JOHN OLSEN AS HE RECEIVES THE STATE OF ISRAEL BONDS LABOR 
                                 MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend John 
W. Olsen as he receives the State of Israel Bonds Labor Medal for his 
lifelong contributions to the labor movement in the State of 
Connecticut.
  Created in 1951, State of Israel Bonds serves as the cornerstone of 
Israel's economy. Committed to improving Israel's infrastructure as a 
whole, Israel Bonds provides financial support for the construction of 
research facilities, transportation networks, communications links, and 
the expansion of port and airport facilities. Its commitment to the 
betterment of Israel's people and its economy is unparalleled--helping 
transform the state of Israel into one of the world's leading 
industrial nations.
  In many ways, John's commitment to the labor movement is reflective 
on Israel Bonds' commitment to the state of Israel. Since he began his 
career as a member of the UA Local 133, Plumbers and Pipefitters, John 
has dedicated his life to working families. He has fought for better 
wages, more comprehensive health benefits for workers and their 
families, and safer work environment. As President of the Connecticut 
AFL-CIO, John has forced the largest corporations in Connecticut to 
listen to their employees' and afford them these basic rights. He has 
been a true leader for our working families, giving them a voice during 
the hardest of economic times.
  John has also worked hard to make Connecticut a better place to live 
and grow. He has been active in state and national politics, serving on 
the Democratic State Central Committee and the Democratic National 
Committee. He also serves on a number of boards and commissions with 
the purpose of making Connecticut's workers the most productive in the 
nation. Over the years, John has become an ambassador for the labor 
movement, spreading its message of helping and protecting working 
families through lectures, newspaper columns, and on the radio. We in 
Connecticut have much to thank John for--his contributions have been 
truly invaluable.
  It is with great pride that I rise to join friends and family in 
saluting my dear friend, John, as he receives the State of Israel Bonds 
Labor Medal. Congratulations.

                          ____________________