[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1851]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE TRANSPORTATION TRADES DEPARTMENT ON ITS 20TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2010

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate 
the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO as this strong voice for 
transportation workers marks its 20th anniversary.
  Transportation is at the core of our daily lives and our economy. 
From ancient civilization through the present day, the quality of 
transportation serves as a true measure of a society. How well do 
people live their daily lives? How quickly and efficiently can people 
and goods get from one place to another? Does the quality of 
transportation strengthen or weaken an economy?
  As we map the vision for our future, we must keep asking these 
questions. Are we doing all we can to invest in modern, safe, and 
efficient transportation? Are the workers in this industry as well-
trained, experienced, and prepared as possible? Are they treated with 
respect and dignity? Are they trusted and empowered? Do their wages and 
working conditions help--or hurt--the ability to attract and retain 
good men and women for these jobs?
  The work of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), of the AFL-
CIO lies at the heart of these questions. In every major transportation 
policy debate in Washington over the past 20 years, TTD has been front 
and center, providing an honest, substantive, and respected voice on 
behalf of millions of transportation workers. TTD brings their voices 
to those in public office, helping forge far better policy and 
decision-making than if the organization did not exist.
  TTD has always had the courage and conviction to demand 
accountability, to make sure that public and private sector 
transportation leaders are truly placing safety and our national 
transportation network's true needs ahead of ideology and profit. In an 
industry--and world--that has been so turbulent in recent years, the 
value of TTD's vigilant watchdog role is priceless.
  As the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure, I can count on TTD to bring integrity, intellectual 
depth, and refreshing clarity to my Committee and the entire Congress. 
I have long valued TTD as a trusted friend and ally, and its 
substantive, bipartisan approach has often been helpful in bringing 
about consensus on important issues.
  As my committee has engaged in enacting critical legislation--from 
the surface transportation bill to the FAA reauthorization bill, from 
the Coast Guard reauthorization to Amtrak and rail safety 
reauthorization--TTD has been a comprehensive and credible resource. 
Its member unions are on the front lines of our transportation 
network--whether on the ground, in the air or at sea.
  The accomplishments of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO 
are far too many to enumerate. But to me, ensuring that transportation 
workers have a seat at the table, and a voice that is heard in key 
policy debates, has been the organization's greatest contribution to 
our nation. I congratulate TTD on 20 outstanding years, and look 
forward to many more.

                          ____________________