[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 57 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MAYOR ABRAHAM BREEHEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 2, 2011

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with deep 
sadness to honor the life of Abraham Breehey, Director of Legislative 
Affairs and Special Assistant to the International President of the 
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Abe passed away on Thursday, 
April 14, 2011, from complications related to a brain tumor and 
subsequent stroke.
  Abe, 34, was born in 1976 in Binghamton, New York and is survived by 
his wife, Sonya, daughter, Abigail, father Ray, mother Carol, sister 
Rachel, 3 nieces, a nephew, and his friendly dog Kesey.
  Abe received his Bachelor's Degree from Sienna College in 
Loudonville, NY, and Master's Degree in Public Policy from the 
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University of 
Albany. He also attended the Trade Union Program at Harvard Law School. 
Prior to joining the Boilermakers in 2004, he served as Legislative 
Assistant for labor and other issues for my friend and colleague 
Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-25).
  Abe was a leading voice in the labor movement, representing the 
Boilermakers on issues related to energy policy and climate change, and 
their impact on workers. He was widely respected for his passion, 
intellect, and ability to build consensus across ideological and 
political lines. He advised the AFL-CIO Building and Construction 
Trades Department as Chairman of the Department's Legislative Task 
Force. He acted as a trusted friend and advisor to advocates for 
working families both on and off Capitol Hill.
  Abe had a genial nature, a ready smile, and was always a pleasure to 
work with. The labor and working families movement has lost a friend, a 
brother, and rising star. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

                          ____________________