[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E553-E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING MR. CLAUDE BROWN OF THE UAW ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2022

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
100th birthday of a resolute union organizer who has devoted his life 
to social justice and advocacy, Mr. Claude Brown.
  Claude was born on May 27, 1922, in the small town of Columbia, 
Tennessee. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army 
from 1943 until 1946. One decade later, on November 5, 1956, Claude 
began a new chapter of service when he was hired at The International 
Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers 
of America (UAW) Local 652 in Lansing, Michigan.
  Claude dedicated 31 years of his life to working at UAW Local 652, 
where he served as the first Civil Rights Committee Chairman. As 
Chairman, Claude played an essential role in advocating for historic 
legislation such as

[[Page E554]]

Medicare, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Employee 
Retirement Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Claude dedicated 
his career to advocating for health care and pension benefits for 
retirees, policies to address the impacts of climate change, robust 
workplace health and safety standards, and better safety net 
protections like unemployment insurance laws.
  Claude has set an inspirational precedent for his successors while 
also inspiring his colleagues, community, and all those who had the 
pleasure of knowing him. Today, I want to honor Claude for his service 
and commitment to the UAW, and to celebrate the longevity of his life 
and the immense impact he has had on the Lansing community over the 
past century.
  May we honor Claude for his willingness to go above and beyond the 
call of duty to fight for fair wages, benefits, and better working 
conditions for workers in Michigan and across this great nation. May 
these words stand as an enduring tribute to his many years of dedicated 
service.

                          ____________________