[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JAMES P. HOFFA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mr. James P. Hoffa for his strong leadership and commitment 
to working families.
  As the only son of James R. Hoffa, former General President of the 
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Mr. Hoffa grew up on picket 
lines and in union meetings. James P. Hoffa became a Teamster member 
himself on his 18th birthday when his father swore him in. As a young 
Teamster, Hoffa worked as a laborer in Detroit and Alaska, loading and 
unloading freight from ships, driving trucks and buses and operating 
heavy equipment.
  At Michigan State University, Hoffa played football for legendary 
Coach Duffy Daugherty and graduated with a degree in Economics. He went 
on to receive his Law degree from the University of Michigan, and 
worked as a Teamster attorney from 1968 through 1993. From 1993 to 
1998, Hoffa worked at Michigan Joint Council 43.
  In 1999 Hoffa was elected General President of the International 
Brotherhood of Teamsters. Under his leadership, Teamsters are winning 
industry-leading contracts, engaging in contract enforcement and 
organizing thousands of new members.
  The Union's renewed commitment to political action includes DRIVING 
America's Future, a new initiative that encourages and supports 
Teamster members running for political office. This effort will ensure 
even more Teamster influence in state and national government.
  James P. Hoffa has spent a lifetime preparing for the challenge of 
running the Teamsters Union. He knows, first-hand, what Teamsters can 
accomplish when they work together. He is determined to lead a Union 
that is a credit to its proud history.
  Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
Mr. James P. Hoffa for his life's work in building better lives for our 
families, our communities and our country.

                          ____________________