[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING J. MICHAEL DOWNEY

  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I rise today to honor my friend, J. 
Michael Downey, who was the president of Rhode Island's AFSCME Council 
94. Mike passed away in August, leaving behind his wife Claudette, 
their three children Corey, Faith, and Michael, and their spouses. He 
also leaves behind two siblings and nine grandchildren. Mike was born 
in Providence and grew up in a union household. Both his father and 
grandfather served in leadership roles in their local unions.
  After graduating from LaSalle Academy, Mike earned his master 
plumbing license through a 5-year apprenticeship program. Mike went on 
to work as a plumber at the University of Rhode Island and later as 
chief plumbing investigator at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and 
Training. It was during Mike's time at URI that, like his father and 
grandfather before him, he found his passion for organized labor and 
advocating for the rights and well-being of workers. For more than 27 
years, Mike served as president of Local 528, which represents workers 
at URI. Mike also served as president of AFSCME Council 94 from 2005 
until his passing.
  Mike was an avid sports fan and loved New England's teams--the 
Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots. He also enjoyed coaching youth sports 
and could often be found cheering in the stands at his grandkids' 
sporting events. Mike was a great guy, an enthusiastic leader, and a 
good friend in the fight. I thank him for his tireless advocacy on 
behalf of workers across Rhode Island. I will miss him.

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