Rep. Robert Brady
U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania has strong labor roots
THE BOILERMAKERS UNION has named U.S. Rep. Robert A. Brady (D-1st PA) the Abe Breehey Legislator of the Year for 2014. The award will be presented to the congressman during the 2014 LEAP conference, April 28 – May 1, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
Brady is a native of Philadelphia and a carpenter by trade. His devotion to labor issues and political action led him to become a leader in the Carpenters union (he is still an active member). He went on to chair the Philadelphia Democratic Party in 1986, a position he still holds. He also held various government administrative positions, among them Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor for Labor, consultant to the state Senate, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioner, and member of the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
In 1998, Brady was elected to represent the Pennsylvania first congressional district, one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the state. He was re-elected to his 8th term in 2011. The district includes portions of Philadelphia as well as parts of Delaware County.
Today, Rep. Brady serves as the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, having chaired that committee for four years under then Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Committee is responsible for oversight of the House officers, including the administrative and technical functions of the House. He is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
“Congressman Brady’s roots in the Labor Movement and his continued strong support are evident in his 100 percent rating from the AFL-CIO,” said International President Newton B. Jones. “He has been there for the Boilermakers when we have needed his assistance. He is a man of integrity and a voice for the economically disadvantaged as well as blue collar workers in his district. We are proud to honor him with the 2014 Abe Breehey Legislator of the Year Award.”
Local 13 (Philadelphia) BM-ST John Clark also praised Brady, noting, “Congressman Bob Brady was instrumental in keeping the largest refinery on the East Coast open. He lobbied Sunoco executives as well as the White House in the middle of the presidential campaign to save our jobs. Bob is a true champion of the working man, fighting to preserve jobs and livelihoods.”
