DeLauro Statement on the Life and Legacy of AFL-CIO President, Richard L. Trumka

House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement after the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.

"Throughout his life Rich Trumka never backed down from fighting for workers. As leader of the 12.5 million-member American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO), he championed working people everyday. As the son of a coal miner who followed in his father's footsteps, Mr. Trumka's career from President of the United Mineworkers to President of the AFL-CIO was rooted in protecting and fighting for the right to organize and collectively bargain.

"While I always valued Rich's counsel, I came to value his friendship over the years. Our shared Italian-American heritage and commitment to fighting for better working conditions were rooted from the lessons we learned at our dinner tables. His legacy stretches far and wide including many visits to my district. In 1996 we participated in a "people's graduation" in the Yale New Haven Green. Thousands of workers from Yale University gathered to advocate for new union contracts and Mr. Trumka joined to chorus to support their efforts. We worked hand in hand to defeat the Trans Pacific Partnership, and worked in solidarity to re-negotiate the new NAFTA in 2019. I was proud to be at the center of these fights with Rich as an ally and a friend.

"I do not know where we would be without Rich today. His relentless efforts to end unfair trade practices and restore U.S. manufacturing strength made him a tireless advocate for the labor movement in the United States and around the globe. I was honored to call him a colleague and a dear friend."

"My sincere condolences go out to his wife, Barbara and the entire Trumka family, as well as the staff of the AFL-CIO."