Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) led 143 members of the House of Representatives in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. 

“As an electrician by trade, I'm proud to join Representatives Sánchez, Fitzpatrick and Bresnahan in introducing a resolution to designate July 10th as Lineworkers Appreciation Day, recognizing the 120,000 lineworkers across the country who work tirelessly to power our communities,” said Congressman Norcross, co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “These men and women often work throughout the night in hazardous conditions and after natural disasters to keep America on, and they deserve to be honored for their courageous efforts.” 

“Every day, lineworkers rise to the challenge – often working long hours in hazardous conditions – to keep the lights on and our communities running,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “From rebuilding the grid after major storms to maintaining the systems that power our daily lives, their steadfast dedication ensures that our communities stay connected.”

“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. 

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the skilled men and women who work around the clock not only on Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day, but every day,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “As the former Chairman of an IBEW Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, I know firsthand the dedication lineworkers have to keeping our lights on and our communities running smoothly. I am glad to join Representatives Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, and Norcross to recognize their vital importance to our communities.” 

“America’s lineworkers are heroes in every sense of the word, putting their own safety on the line day in and day out to provide the electricity that powers every aspect of our modern lives,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper. “Honoring them on this day is fitting, but our gratitude for them and the work they do lasts year-round. The IBEW is proud to represent the best of the best of our nation’s lineworkers and to thank them for all they do for all of us.” 

The resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day to honor 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, the IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country. 

The full text of the resolution is available HERE. 

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