Tribute to Patrick Eiding

TRIBUTE TO PATRICK J. EIDING -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 22, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. ROBERT A. BRADY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to highlight the accomplishments of a Philadelphia labor legend, Mr. Patrick J. Eiding. Mr. Eiding is President of the Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO and a representative of the working man and woman. He has effectively and consistently fought for the rights of the great citizens of Philadelphia.

Mr. Eiding rose through the ranks of leadership throughout his career, holding positions such as President of the Asbestos Workers Middle Atlantic States Conference and President of the Mechanical Trades Council in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He currently serves as an official for both the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Building Trades Councils, as well as the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.

Mr. Eiding represents the interests of working families through his involvement on numerous labor boards and commissions. He co-chairs the Philadelphia Area Labor Management and serves as Commissioner for the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the Philadelphia Planning Commission. He is a member of the Executive Committee for the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and sits on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Since being elected President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, Mr. Eiding has spread the message of the working family, co-hosting the weekly "Labor to Neighbor" radio show whose goal is to educate listeners on the issues affecting the current working family and to voice the needs and opinions of the community.

I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Patrick Eiding for his career of service and dedication to the working families of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.