[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM BREEHEY, 1976-2011

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn that Abraham Breehey 
passed away yesterday from a brain tumor and stroke. Abe was the 
Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant to the 
International President of the International Brotherhood of 
Boilermakers. Abe also served as Chairman of the AFL-CIO Building and 
Construction Trades Department's Legislative Task Force.
  Abe was only 34 years old.
  His death is a tragedy for his family and a loss for the working men 
and women of America on whose behalf he was so deeply committed.
  I share in sadness and reflection with Hawaii's members of the 
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, 
Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, Locals 90 and 627.
  It is always sad when we lose a labor leader, especially one so young 
and with such promise. I have been told that Abe was a passionate 
advocate for working people around the world. He was well-respected in 
the labor community for using his sharp intellect to build consensus 
across party lines.
  Abe has testified in front of several U.S. Senate Committees, and he 
represented the Boilermakers in international negotiations on the 
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Breehey family and the 
U.S. labor movement.

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