[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E164-E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRANSPORTATION TRADES 
                          DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Mr. THOMPSON OF MISSISSIPPI. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 20th 
anniversary of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO 
(TTD). It is my distinct pleasure to honor TTD, as it has firmly 
established itself as an effective advocate for American workers and is 
a well-respected leader in transportation policy debates.
  The threats facing the United States in the 21st Century require all 
of us to be on the frontlines. Accordingly, TTD has brought workers 
together from across all sectors of the transportation industry. From 
aviation to surface transportation, threats to transportation security 
are broad and cross-cutting, and TTD has helped to bring diverse groups 
of workers together to speak with a clear, strong voice on issues of 
common concern.
  As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I know how 
important transportation workers are to the National homeland security 
mission. On September 11, 2001, transportation workers witnessed the 
destruction firsthand, and some workers' lives were, unfortunately, cut 
short. Since that day, under the leadership of TTD, these men and women 
have become educated and effective allies and advocates in improving 
our homeland security. TTD workers are on the front lines, working 
under stressful, rapidly-changing conditions. Under my leadership, the 
Committee has taken efforts to support these tireless and dedicated 
workers by providing them with the tools, training, and protections 
they deserve. To keep our homeland secure, transportation workers must 
be trained, prepared, and supported.
  TTD has been a strong advocate for ensuring that workers have the 
training and tools they need to protect their passengers from harm, and 
their freight shipments from foul play. It has helped workers be free 
to identify security gaps in an appropriate manner without fear of 
retribution from their employer. TTD has also been a leading proponent 
for a strong federal investment in transportation security, one that 
recognizes that all modes must be fully secured. And it has been 
invaluable as background check and security credential programs are 
created for workers--making certain that we are improving security, not 
just making it more difficult for people to do their jobs.
  We are continually reminded that our efforts to strengthen 
transportation security are far from complete. In these complicated 
times, the bold and effective voice of TTD is needed more than ever. I 
congratulate TTD on the important progress it has made on behalf of 
workers in its first 20 years, and look forward to working with them in 
the years ahead.

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