Washington, D.C. - SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger released the following statement on Iowa Senator Tom Harkin assuming the gavel of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee.

"America's working families have learned to count on Senator Harkin to stand up and fight for the issues that will help to ensure the American Dream is alive and well for their children and grandchildren. As the son of a coal miner, Senator Harkin understands how Congress and organized labor can work together to pass legislation that ensures quality and affordable health care, a fair economy, a safe workplace and a secure retirement.

"Senator Harkin has made the concerns of working Americans a priority throughout his Senate career and SEIU's 2.1 million members look forward to working with him to finally pass health care reform, the Employee Free Choice Act, fix our broken immigration system and the many other critical pieces of legislation he will help lead through as the HELP Committee chair."