[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 162 (Monday, November 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MR. CONNIE ENGLISH, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2015

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Connie English, 
Jr. for his service to the labor movement as the State Legislative 
Director for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail 
and Transportation Workers (SMART) and Vice President of Texas AFL-CIO. 
Mr. English's retirement comes after a thirty-three year tenure in 
organized labor. For the last three decades, Mr. English has dedicated 
his work to the labor movement, ensuring that railroad, bus, and 
transit workers' needs are being recognized.
  During his years of work with the labor movement, Mr. English has 
made a direct impact on his community through his numerous roles at 
SMART, formerly known as the United Transportation Union, and with the 
Texas AFL-CIO. Mr. English began his labor career in 1982, where he 
served as Legislative Representative from 1982-1999, Delegate from 
1984-1994, Local Chairman from 1984-1996, Vice General from 1985-1996, 
Secretary to the UTU Texas Legislative Board from 1986-1996, and 
Assistant State Legislative Director from 1996-1999.
  Aside from his work with SMART and AFL-CIO, English continued to be a 
community leader as a member on the Bexar County Rail District Board. 
Mr. English is also a well-known advocate for transportation workers, 
working to organize statewide support on legislative issues and 
fighting for working people against tough odds, by serving as a labor 
caucus leader on numerous Texas campaigns. Mr. English has been happily 
married to his wife, Donna, for forty-nine years, and together they 
have two children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
  In honor of Mr. English's retirement and his dedication and 
leadership within the public service community, this statement is 
submitted.

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