Floor SpeechNeutral2025-03-10

HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL WHITNEY

EconomyEnvironmentLabor

Context

On 2025-03-10, Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL WHITNEY" in the House. The speech addressed the economy and also covered the environment, labor policy.

Full Text

HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL WHITNEY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E197] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL WHITNEY ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Monday, March 10, 2025 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Whitney as he retires from the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. Throughout his life, Bill has demonstrated his dedication to his family and community. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and worked on his family's farm alongside his three brothers. The family moved around Pennsylvania before eventually settling in Walnut Creek, California when Bill was twelve years old. Bill attended Ygnacio Valley High School and went on to earn his degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis. While attending U.C. Davis, he was deeply involved in sports and other extracurricular activities, including football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and swimming. His commitment to service was evident though his participation in Boy Scouts, Key Club, and his fraternity, Theta Xi. Bill moved to Benicia in 1977, where he was a devoted advocate for his community. Bill was a proud member of the Lions Club, Rotary Benicia historical Society, and the Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to public service was exemplified by his election to the Benicia City Council, where he served from 1999 to 2007. Bill has been a powerful advocate for working people throughout his career, having been a member of three unions: the Retail Clerks Union, Inland Boatman Union, and United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry. In each of these organizations, he played a pivotal role in advancing workers' rights, improving workplace conditions, and ensuring fair wages for workers. His work has been critical in expanding economic opportunities for working families and in preparing our workforce for the jobs of the 21st century. Additionally, as an ERISA trust fund trustee, Bill worked diligently to protect workers' pensions and retirement security. Bill has been a key figure in the labor movement in California and beyond and his leadership has benefitted countless workers. As Bill steps into retirement, we recognize a lifetime of service, advocacy, and leadership. Please join me in thanking Bill for his remarkable service and wishing him the very best in his well-earned retirement. ____________________

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HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL WHITNEY Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E197] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL WHITNEY ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Monday, March 10, 2025 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Whitney as he retires from the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. Throughout his life, Bill has demonstrated his dedication to his family and community. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and worked on his family's farm alongside his three brothers. The family moved around Pennsylvania before eventually settling in Walnut Creek, California when Bill was twelve years old. Bill attended Ygnacio Valley High School and went on to earn his degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis. While attending U.C. Davis, he was deeply involved in sports and other extracurricular activities, including football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and swimming. His commitment to service was evident though his participation in Boy Scouts, Key Club, and his fraternity, Theta Xi. Bill moved to Benicia in 1977, where he was a devoted advocate for his community. Bill was a proud member of the Lions Club, Rotary Benicia historical Society, and the Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to public service was exemplified by his election to the Benicia City Council, where he served from 1999 to 2007. Bill has been a powerful advocate for working people throughout his career, having been a member of three unions: the Retail Clerks Union, Inland Boatman Union, and United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry. In each of these organizations, he played a pivotal role in advancing workers' rights, improving workplace conditions, and ensuring fair wages for workers. His work has been critical in expanding economic opportunities for working families and in preparing our workforce for the jobs of the 21st century. Additionally, as an ERISA trust fund trustee, Bill worked diligently to protect workers' pensions and retirement security. Bill has been a key figure in the labor movement in California and beyond and his leadership has benefitted countless workers. As Bill steps into retirement, we recognize a lifetime of service, advocacy, and leadership. Please join me in thanking Bill for his remarkable service and wishing him the very best in his well-earned retirement. ____________________