Gluesenkamp Perez, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Honor National Lineman Appreciation Day

Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), along with Reps. David Rouzer (NC-07), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Mike Flood (NE-01), introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate April 18, 2024, as National Lineman Appreciation Day and recognize the more than 115,000 hardworking men and women maintaining America’s electrical infrastructure.

Cosponsored by 47 Members of Congress, the resolution highlights the critical work done by linemen to keep the public safe and protect our nation’s power supply every day since the first transmission line was constructed in 1889.

Electrical linemen work atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year ensuring Americans can turn on their lights, run their businesses, and connect with loved ones.  They are not only installing new and replacing old power lines, but our nation’s linemen serve as frontline responders to natural disasters, reconnecting Americans in the wake of storms, fires, floods. 

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.

“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,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “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”

“This resolution allows us to recognize the extraordinary courage and dedication of our nation’s linemen — the men and women who work tirelessly to keep the lights on, protect public safety, and respond first when disaster strikes. When natural disasters hit Southeastern North Carolina, it’s linemen who operate in dangerous conditions to restore power and get our cities and state back up and running,” said Rep. Rouzer. “Their hard work powers the lives of 155 million electricity customers across America, and they carry forward a proud tradition which deserves our deepest respect.”

“America’s linemen keep our country moving and deliver the energy that keeps the power on in our home and grows our economy. This resolution is one small way that we can honor their great work, which often involves great heights and extreme weather as they maintain our power lines,” said Rep. Flood. “Thank you to Rep. Rouzer for leading this resolution to honor the hardworking people who keep America’s lights on.”

“Rain or shine, dedicated lineworkers make sure North Carolinians have power all year round,” said Rep. Ross. “Their commitment keeps communities running and keeps us connected with our loved ones. I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution declaring our appreciation for the hard work that lineworkers do every day.”