WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) yesterday joined representatives from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to celebrate Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.
Fitzpatrick, Norcross, and Sánchez led over 140 Members of the House of Representatives in introducing a resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day on July 11, 2023. On Wednesday, they signed the resolution alongside lineworkers and representatives from EEI, IBEW, and NECA.
“Journeymen lineworkers work overtime to restore power to our communities after major storms,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Today and every day, I am grateful for their hard work, and I am proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution to recognize their invaluable contributions and powering of our nation.”
“Journeyman Lineworkers work in dangerous conditions to power our communities across the country. These men and women often work tirelessly throughout the night in hazardous conditions and after natural disasters to keep America on,” said Congressman Norcross said. “As a former electrician by trade, I know just how dangerous the job of a Lineworker is, and I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor their skill, dedication, and hard work.”
“Journeyman lineworkers play a crucial role in ensuring our lights stay on and our country keeps moving forward. Every time a storm strikes, our lineworkers are on the front lines doing the dangerous work of getting our power back on when lines go down,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “This resolution is bipartisan, supported by over 150 House Members, and aims to thank our lineworkers for the work they do every day for our communities. Today, I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as EEI, IBEW, and NECA, as we pay tribute to these hard-working Americans.”
“EEI and our member companies applaud our industry’s lineworkers for the tireless work they do each and every day. Whether it is wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, or anything in between, our nation’s brave lineworkers always rise to the challenge," said Edison Electric Institute President and CEO Tom Kuhn. "They are heroes, and we commend their commitment to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible for our customers and the communities we serve. We are thankful to our Congressional sponsors for leading these efforts to honor our nation’s lineworkers.”
“It’s high time we as a nation honor America’s lineworkers for all they do for our communities," said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper. "Their commitment, professionalism, and bravery, keeps our homes, schools, hospitals, and economy running and I thank those members of Congress who are working to make July 10 Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day."
“Society as we know it, would not exist without our brave lineworkers who endure extreme conditions daily to power our communities across America," said NECA CEO David Long. "We not only thank these highly skilled professionals for their dedication to our communities but acknowledge the hazards they face and the sacrifices they make to keep electricity flowing throughout our country. NECA and our more than 4,000 contractors would like to thank all the Congressional Representatives for recognizing their efforts by cosponsoring the resolution."
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