[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 52 (Monday, March 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. JAMES T. BRETT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY III

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 26, 2018

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate James T. 
Brett, President and CEO of the New England Council, on receiving the 
Eire Society of Boston's 2018 Gold Medal Award.
  Since 1937, the Eire Society of Boston has celebrated the rich 
history of the Irish experience and the many important contributions 
that Irish-Americans have made to our country and around the world. In 
keeping with tradition and the long list of distinguished recipients, 
the Eire Society has chosen to honor a truly inspiring individual this 
year.
  A lifelong resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, James ``Jim'' Brett 
has dedicated his life to serving others and raising awareness for 
critical issues such as accessible healthcare, education, economic 
empowerment, and disability rights. After fifteen years in the 
Massachusetts State Legislature taking on a number of leadership roles 
such as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation and Joint Committee 
on Banking, Mr. Brett joined The New England Council where he has 
continued to promote a strong economic environment and quality of 
living in the region.
  Since leaving office in 1996, Mr. Brett remains a leading voice in 
advocacy for individuals with disabilities both in New England and 
nationally, serving as a Chairman of the President's Committee for 
People with Intellectual Disabilities, a member of the National Council 
on Disability, and Chair of the Governor's Commission on Intellectual 
Disability and Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
  Across Massachusetts, we are proud to call James Brett our neighbor 
and grateful for his continued service to the disadvantaged among us. 
As the Eire Society of Boston gathers on April 7th to celebrate this 
important achievement, I call on Congress to recognize the many 
accomplishments of Mr. Brett's distinguished career and the impact that 
his tireless efforts have had on so many in New England and nationwide.

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