Last week, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, along with Reps. David Rouzer, R-North Carolina, Deborah Ross, D-North Carolina, and Mike Flood, R-Nebraska, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day and recognize the more than 115,000 men and women maintaining America’s electrical infrastructure.
Cosponsored by 47 members of Congress, the resolution highlights the work done by linemen to keep the public safe and protect the nation’s power supply every day since the first transmission line was constructed in 1889.
“This resolution recognizes the efforts and courage of linemen in keeping the power on and protecting public safety; the remarkable contributions to the approximately 155 million electricity customers in America; the personal, family, and professional tradition of the trade; and the lineman’s role as a first responder following natural disasters,” a news release states.
“When things go right, no one thinks to thank linemen — and when things get rough, most think it’s magic — it’s our skilled, tough linemen we owe our gratitude. Their work is core to keeping our public power system reliable and affordable in Southwest Washington,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “Linemen work around the clock in tough weather with backbreaking aerobics and masterful skill — and I’m so proud of their work and to fight on their team.”
