[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THOMAS C. SHORT, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT OF 
                                 IATSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of 
Thomas C. Short, President of the International Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts 
of the United States, its Territories and Canada (IATSE), as he was 
recently awarded the ``The Actors' Fund Medal of Honor'' by the Actors' 
Fund of America.
  Mr. Short's commitment to the rights and welfare of workers in the 
entertainment and broadcasting industries spans more than thirty years. 
In 1968, Mr. Short first became a member of the Stagehands Local No. 
27, located in Cleveland, Ohio. Ten years later, Mr. Short was elected 
to the office of President of Local No. 27.
  In 1988, Mr. Short was elected by IATSE members to the position of 
Eleventh International Vice President, following the path of his 
father, who served as International Vice President for many years. 
Since 1994, Mr. Short has served as International President of IATSE. 
Because of his vision, leadership, and ability to energize others, 
every facet of the union has been fortified and enhanced. During his 
tenure, membership has increased from 65,000 to 103,000, with more than 
75 national term agreements. Mr. Short also restructured IATSE into 
five departments: Stage Craft, Motion Picture and TV Production, 
Organizing, Trade Show, and Canadian Affairs.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Thomas C. Short, for his outstanding service as member, leader and 
International President of IATSE. Mr. Short's dedicated focus and 
tireless efforts on behalf of all members of IATSE serves as an agent 
of strength and shield of protection for the heart of this nation--the 
American worker.

                          ____________________