[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR. ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE AMALGAMATED 
                             TRANSIT UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2024

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with gratitude to recognize a 
great Missourian, Javier M. Perez, Jr., for his accomplishments with 
the Amalgamated Transit Union as he heads towards retirement. An 
experienced leader, dedicated professional, and advocate, Javier serves 
as a prime example of a true public servant and most importantly, a 
kind human being.
  Javier began his illustrious career when he began driving a bus for 
the Kansas City Area Transit Authority in 1974. He became a member of 
Local 1287 and served as steward, Executive Board member, Vice 
President and was elected President in 1987. Furthermore, Javier earned 
a bachelor's degree in labor studies at Antioch University through the 
George Meany Center, now known as the National Labor College. He also 
attended and completed the Trade Union Program at Harvard University in 
2009.
  As a dedicated advocate, Javier has continuously been involved in 
advancing the rights of Latinos. He has been an active community 
service volunteer heading voter registration drives and assisting with 
summer Mural projects as a member of the Labor Council for Latin 
American Advancement (LCLAA). Javier also served as a liaison for Cesar 
Chavez on two occasions during Chavez's trips to Kansas City in 2002.
  Javier continues to be a force for positive change within Kansas 
City. Javier was appointed by Missouri Governor Bob Holden to serve on 
the Kansas City Missouri Police Board as a commissioner and later was 
elected President of the Board. Javier was elected an International 
Vice President in September 1995 and has worked with many locals large 
and small. On August 29, 2013, Javier was unanimously elected to be the 
International Executive Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit 
Union, becoming the first Latino to reach this milestone.
  Beyond his extraordinary career achievements, Javier's tight-knit 
family continues to serve as an important pillar of his life. Javier 
spent over 40 exciting years with his lovely wife Lee Ann Perez until 
she passed into Glory in 2020. He continues to reside in Kansas City, 
Missouri, where he has three grown children and three grandchildren. 
Mr. Perez announced his retirement from the Amalgamated Transit Union, 
holding the second highest office in the international union.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District in congratulating Javier M. Perez, Jr. as he 
retires from his successful and impactful career representing 
Amalgamated Transit Union Members on the local, state, and national 
levels. Mr. Perez will continue to impact communities across Missouri 
and in his beloved Kansas City. On behalf of my colleagues and a 
grateful Nation, we thank him for his dedication and commitment to 
transportation improvements across the country.

                          ____________________