[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 107 (Monday, June 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ROBERT SHANAHAN, SR.

  (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert 
Shanahan, Sr., affectionately known as Bob, a devoted husband, father, 
grandfather, union man, and proud son of Illinois' working class.
  Born May 2, 1956, in Chicago and 1 of 13 children raised by an 
ironworker father, Bob graduated from Lincoln-Way High School and spent 
the next 40 years serving as a Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 
maintainer with Metra. His work was more than a job. It was a calling, 
keeping trains safe, protecting workers and travelers day in and day 
out.
  Bob stood firmly for workers' rights, from his courageous stand 
during the 1979 Rock Island strike to his tenure as grievance committee 
member, trustee, and convention delegate. He believed that unions are 
essential to the American Dream and that every employee deserves 
dignity, a living wage, and safe working conditions.
  Bob led by example: rising before dawn, always ready to work holidays 
or weekends, living his commitment to responsibility.
  However, his greatest pride was his family: his loving wife, Susan; 
his children, Rob, Bridget, and Brian; and his fantastic grandchildren, 
Cameron, Rory, Logan, Morgan, Bernadette, and Susie.
  As we honor Robert Shanahan, Sr., we celebrate a life rooted in 
safety, solidarity, love, and family. His legacy was built on hard work 
and quiet heroism. He saved lives, mentored workers, and uplifted his 
community. We continue to pray and thank God for his life. May his 
story remind us of the dignity of labor and the power of a life lived 
with purpose.

                          ____________________