[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 59 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING ABRAHAM BREEHEY

   Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, it is with deep sadness that I 
pay tribute to Abraham ``Abe'' Breehey, and I ask my colleagues to join 
me today in honoring his memory. Abe, who was a champion of the rights 
of America's working men and women, passed away suddenly last month 
from complications related to a brain tumor. He was just 34 years old.
  Abe was a well-respected friend and colleague to many in the Senate. 
As director of Legislative Affairs and special assistant to the 
international president of the International Brotherhood of 
Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, he 
tirelessly represented workers across the country. He also served as 
chairman of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department's 
Legislative Task Force.
  Abe worked closely with the Senate Environment and Public Works 
Committee, which I chair, in our efforts to promote clean energy jobs. 
He represented labor interests with passion and intellect and was a 
powerful advocate for the role of workers in moving the U.S. toward a 
clean energy future.
  He was, in the words of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers 
President Newton B. Jones, the union's ``point man on Capitol Hill,'' 
who advanced many critical causes on behalf of working men and women 
``with boundless enthusiasm and determination.''
  Abe's work was not limited to the U.S. Congress. He also worked 
internationally on efforts to control global warming, representing the 
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers in international negotiations 
under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  Abe received his bachelor's degree from Sienna College in 
Loudonville, NY, and his master's degree in public policy from the 
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University of 
Albany. He was also a graduate of the Trade Union Program at Harvard 
Law School. Prior to joining the Boilermakers, he served as legislative 
assistant for Representative Doggett.
  As anyone who worked with him can tell you, Abe was an extraordinary 
person. Always full of cheer, he possessed a gift for finding common 
ground on tough issues, and he was taken from this world far too early.
  On Thursday, April 14, Abe passed away, leaving a loving wife, Sonya, 
and beloved daughter, Abigail. He is also survived by his parents Ray 
and Carol Breehey, sister Rachel Breehey Mollen, three nieces, and a 
nephew. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loving family and many 
friends.
  The U.S. Congress and workers across the country have lost a tireless 
advocate, trusted colleague and friend, and Abe will be greatly missed. 
Although his life was short, Abe unquestionably left his mark and he 
made a difference in the lives of working people everywhere. He will 
serve as an inspiration for all of us going forward, and we will build 
on his important work to honor his legacy. I know I speak for all of my 
colleagues in the Senate in mourning the loss of Abe Breehey and paying 
tribute to the life of this vibrant and successful young man.

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