Reps. Sánchez, McKinley, Norcross Introduce Resolution to Create Journeyman Lineman Recognition Day

Washington, DC – Representatives Linda Sánchez (CA-38), David B. McKinley, P.E (WV-1), and Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01), today introduced H. Res. 784, a resolution to designate July 10 as National Journeyman Lineman Day:

Rep. Linda Sánchez: “In every city and town in America, Journeyman Linemen constantly put themselves in danger to ensure reliable access to electricity for all. Risking perilous heights and energized electric lines, they represent a crucial and too often forgotten part of our nation’s infrastructure. This resolution honors the work and sacrifices of Journeyman Linemen in the development of our country. Every American should recognize that it took the labor of Journeyman Linemen to make the electricity which lights our homes, power our workplaces, and keeps our economy rolling possible.”

Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E.: “The contributions of Journeyman Linemen to the foundation of our nation are simply immeasurable. Without their hard work, homes and businesses would not be able to function. Every day these workers show up to their job and take risks that allow millions of people from coast to coast to access reliable electricity. Their achievements should not be forgotten and the establishment of a National Journeyman Lineman Day will allow all of us to recognize and honor their efforts each and every year.”

Rep. Donald Norcross: “As an electrician who worked for years on the tops of bridges and refineries, I know first-hand the dangers facing Journeyman Linemen. These individuals literally keep our country running every day, and are quick to respond when called upon to get the lights back on when power is knocked offline. These courageous men and women often brave the extremes—including severe weather and the treacherous conditions left behind in the aftermath of storms—just to get power flowing to America’s homes and businesses.  These are the unsung heroes among us. I championed similar efforts to honor these men and women in my home state as a New Jersey legislator, and I’m proud to support this effort in Congress acknowledging their hard work.”

BACKGROUND

July 10 was selected as National Journeyman Lineman Day to honor a Journeyman Lineman leader, Henry Miller.

Henry Miller, was the first elected president and founding member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the largest and most diverse unions in our country. He began his career as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas at age 14. A year later, while working as a lineman Mr. Miller saw first-hand the dangerous conditions and subpar wages these vital workers faced. He traveled the country to organize his fellow linemen, and when the IBEW was formed in 1891, Miller’s peers chose him to be their leader. Unfortunately, Henry Miller’s life was cut short on July 10, 1896 while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C.

It is in his honor that this resolution will recognize all Journeyman Linemen on that fateful day. 

###