[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GEORGE NEE

  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I rise today to offer my sincerest 
congratulations to my friend George Nee on his upcoming retirement as 
president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. George is a friend of many 
years, and I have long admired his dedication to fighting for Rhode 
Islanders--for good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, safe 
workplaces, and retirement security.
  George was born in Syracuse, NY, and first came to New England in the 
late 1960s to attend Boston College. He left his studies to oversee the 
United Farm Workers grape boycott in Massachusetts and, a few years 
later, came to Rhode Island for the Farm Workers' lettuce boycott. 
Through his work, he met legendary activist and organizer Cesar Chavez 
and became part of the security team protecting Chavez as he worked to 
organize farm workers. Inspired by Chavez, George returned to the Ocean 
State in 1976 to form his own union, which would become the Service 
Employees International Union Local 76, representing jewelry, clerical, 
and healthcare workers.
  In 1983, George joined the Rhode Island AFL-CIO as its executive 
director, then secretary-treasurer, then president. Under George's 
leadership, the AFL-CIO improved access to opportunities for workers, 
including Climate Jobs Rhode Island, an initiative to help transition 
Rhode Island toward a clean energy economy. Along the way, he met and 
married Anne Sliney, the best of a great many good decisions he has 
made. She has made her own magnificent contributions, and together, 
they raised three children Katie, Brigid, and Patrick, who are each 
following the family tradition of making a difference in ways that 
matter.
  I got to know George best in the early 90s when Rhode Island's 
workers' compensation system was in crisis. George brought the union 
voice and perspective to the table and advocated for reforms to revamp 
the broken system. The result was a law that dramatically reduced costs 
without cutting benefits--a win for workers and employers. George was 
one of the keys to the law's passage and went on to protect that reform 
and the workers' compensation system over many years. George stands in 
a Rhode Island tradition of leadership in the national labor movement, 
along with legends like Ed McElroy, Armand Sabitoni, Frank Montanaro, 
and now Michael Sabitoni. George puts his head down and works hard, so 
workers in our State can hold their heads high.
  Bravo, my friend. We owe you a debt of gratitude and appreciation for 
uplifting the lives and livelihoods of workers across our State. My 
very best wishes on your exciting next chapter.

                          ____________________