[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. LEON OWENS

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute and congratulate Mr. 
Leon Owens of Paducah, KY, on his dedication and leadership as 
president of Local 5-550 of Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and 
Energy, PACE, Workers International at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion 
Plant during the past 2 years.
  Mr. Owens works at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, 
KY, where he has demonstrated his caring and leadership for years. He 
was chosen by the more than 500 union members who work at that plant to 
be their voice. During his tenure as president, Mr. Owens fought for 
his fellow workers and led them through an important, but difficult, 5-
month strike in 2003. His leadership on this issue helped to protect 
the jobs and interests of the people of Paducah.
  Aside from this highly publicized event, Mr. Owens worked tirelessly 
on plant cleanup, worker health and economic development issues. He 
shared his expertise and time with me and my colleagues in Congress, 
testifying most recently at the Energy Committee field hearing in 
Paducah in December and at a hearing here in November.
  Mr. Owens also serves on the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker 
Health which advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the 
implementation of NIOSH's responsibilities under the Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. This important and 
complicated issue is just another example of Mr. Owens's dedication to 
the workers in Paducah.
  The working people of Kentucky are fortunate to have had the 
leadership of Mr. Owens. His example of dedication, hard work and 
compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth.
  Thank you, Leon, for your leadership during a difficult period of 
history for the Paducah Plant. You have shown fortitude and compassion 
and I have sincere appreciation for your work. I wish you and your 
family the best.

                          ____________________