Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, Norcross, Bresnahan lead bipartisan resolution honoring lineworkers

WASHINGTON – Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) yesterday led 143 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. “When storms hit and the lights go out, lineworkers are the first to answer the call,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “They work in dangerous conditions, at all hours, in all weather, to restore power and keep our communities running. Their services are essential to our communities, but too often go unseen.” “Our journeyman lineworkers are the frontline defenders of our infrastructure. They respond without hesitation – often at great personal risk – to restore the power that sustains our homes, hospitals, and economy. In Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation, I’ve met with these dedicated men and women, listened to their concerns, and worked to ensure they have the respect, protection, and resources they deserve. This resolution is not merely symbolic – it is a formal recognition of their service and a promise to have their backs, just as they always have ours,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Lineworkers’ jobs are difficult on a good day, and in times of crisis, their ability to keep our communities connected during dangerous conditions is heroic,” said Congressman Norcross. “These hardworking men and women are living proof that you don’t need a suit and tie to serve your community, and I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan group recognizing their essential duty.” “Journeyman lineworkers keep our country powered and our communities safe, but their work often goes unnoticed until the moment we need them most,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “These men and women work in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, often putting themselves in harm’s way to restore power and maintain the electric grids Americans depend on every day. As someone who has worked closely with the IBEW and understands the skill and training this profession requires, I’m proud to honor their service and thank them for everything they do for our communities.” The resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day in honor of Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the IBEW. Miller began his career at age 14 as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas. Years later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize linemen and was elected as the first president of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1891. Sadly, Miller suffered a fatal fall on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country. The resolution is endorsed by IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association and Edison Electrical Institute. Congresswoman Sánchez, a former member of the IBEW Local 441 and labor lawyer, first introduced this resolution in 2014. The full text of the resolution is available HERE . ###