[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SHEET METAL, AIR, RAIL, AND 
                         TRANSPORTATION WORKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, 
and Transportation Workers (SMART), as they celebrate the 125th 
anniversary of the union's founding. The members and officers of SMART 
are to be commended for their dedication and recognized for the union's 
history of remarkable achievements.
  SMART, formerly known as the Sheet Metal Workers' International 
Association and the United Transportation Union, is a truly inventive, 
progressive, and strong union made up of skilled craftsmen throughout 
the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Representing construction, 
sheet metal, transportation, railroad, shipyard, and production 
employees in the industry, SMART works tirelessly to ensure safe 
working conditions, living wages and benefits, and growth opportunities 
for its employees.
  Since its founding in 1888, SMART has been one of labor's most 
ambitious and diligent organizations. Throughout history, its union 
leaders and members have been through many struggles and triumphs 
seeking to bring about hope for workers seeking fair wages, hours, and 
benefits while contributing to the structural development and building 
of the United States. Since the late 1920s, members and officers have 
contributed to the welfare of the country at home and abroad. From 
their assistance with the production of Charles Lindberg's airplane, 
the Spirit of Saint Louis, designed for his historic flight across the 
Atlantic Ocean, to the building and sustaining of America's Navy in our 
nation's shipyards, as well as the union's support in the World Trade 
Center tragedy, SMART's members are worthy of the highest praise.
  Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its 
craftsmanship and loyalty among its tradesmen. The members and officers 
of SMART are outstanding examples of these qualities. They have 
demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and communities 
internationally through their hard work and selfless dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring the past and present hardworking members and 
officers of SMART and to congratulate the organization on the 125th 
anniversary of its founding. They have committed themselves to making a 
significant contribution to the growth and development in Northwest 
Indiana, throughout the United States, and abroad.

                          ____________________