[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RICHARD TRUMKA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 26, 2021

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, as a member of the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 441, a former labor 
lawyer, and current co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, I rise 
today to honor Richard Trumka's life, work, and unwavering commitment 
to America's workers.
  The son of Pennsylvania coal miners, Trumka was a relentless and 
outspoken advocate for the rights of all workers. While he was a giant 
in the fight for workers' rights, he was also a loving and devoted 
husband, father, and grandfather. My thoughts remain with his family 
and all those who knew and loved him.
  As President of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka fought for justice. He 
helped make the labor movement more inclusive, standing with immigrant 
and undocumented workers and calling out racism.
  I was proud to work with Richard Trumka throughout my time in 
Congress, and most recently on the U.S. Citizenship Act. He understood 
that our immigration system enables employers to exploit migrant 
workers with impunity and undermine the rights of all workers. He knew 
that building power and transforming the lives of working people would 
require bold, structural changes to our nation's immigration and labor 
laws.
  From his time at the Mineworkers to his last days leading the AFL-
CIO, Trumka created a legacy of championing labor. He made tangible 
changes that improved the lives of working families, enabling more 
people to work in safer conditions and receive better pay and benefits.
  I will miss Richard Trumka, as will so many who worked with him and 
countless others whose lives were made better by his passion and 
leadership. I'm deeply proud to have had the honor of calling him my 
friend. And I am confident that his memory will live on in the progress 
he made for workers across America.

                          ____________________