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Press Room
The Vinyl Institute Recognizes Chairwoman Napolitano with the Congressional Champion Award
June 8, 2020
WASHINGTON – Today, the Vinyl Institute (VI) presented Chairwoman Grace Flores Napolitano (CA) with the Vinyl Institute’s Congressional Champion Award. This award was presented to Chairwoman Napolitano in recognition of her longstanding support of investing in the nation’s water infrastructure.
“We are honoring Chairwoman Napolitano for her tireless efforts in advancing legislation that addresses the critical needs of our nation’s water infrastructure,” said Ned Monroe, President and CEO of the Vinyl Institute. “As an original cosponsor of both the Water Quality and Job Creation Act and the SMART Infrastructure Act, Chairwoman Napolitano is adept at finding common ground on both sides of aisle to effect legislation that has a positive impact on communities, jobs and the economy.”
“A well-deserved honor for Congresswoman Grace Napolitano,” said Walter Wang, Chairman and CEO of JM Eagle, the world’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer with facilities in California. “It is indented in my memory that she would personally take me to the Sunburst Academy to show me the good works of what this school is doing for the underprivileged kids, and how these kids flourish and thrive in this school. Her long-term devotion to help others is just admirable, and she is a great mentor for all.”
“Congratulations to my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, for being awarded the 2020 Congressional Champion by the Vinyl Institute,” said U.S. House Representative John Katko (NY). “Although we serve on opposite sides of the aisle, over the years I have proudly worked alongside her to expand access to quality mental healthcare and advance bipartisan legislation to bolster federal investments in water infrastructure. I applaud Congresswoman Napolitano for earning this well-deserved distinction and look forward to partnering with her in the months and years to come.”
Chairwoman Napolitano represents California’s 32nd District, which employs nearly 1,900 people at 12 facilities with an economic impact of more than $289 million. Her Los Angeles County-based district covers several cities and communities in the San Gabriel Valley. She currently serves as chairwoman on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which oversees the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act and US Army Corps of Engineers water programs.
Chairwoman Napolitano also cares deeply about the issue of mental health. She is the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and she dedicates tremendous energy to promoting mental health legislation and working with key players to increase funding and access to mental health services.
Chairwoman Napolitano was born in Brownsville, Texas. After high school, she married and moved with her husband to California where they raised 5 children. She has served the people of Los Angeles County for over thirty years and is currently in her 11th term in Congress.
About the Vinyl Institute’s Congressional Champion Award
The Vinyl Congressional Champion award recognizes Members of Congress who advance legislation that creates and supports jobs in the vinyl industry and in their states and districts; respond effectively to constituents’ needs and concerns; and support legislation that uses taxpayer dollars responsibly in addressing the critical needs of the nation and keeps our economy strong and thriving. It is presented annually.
About the Vinyl Institute
The Vinyl Institute, founded in 1982, is a U.S. trade organization representing the leading manufacturers of vinyl, vinyl chloride monomer, and vinyl additives and modifiers. The Vinyl Institute serves as the voice for the vinyl industry, engaging industry stakeholders in shaping the future of the vinyl industry. The U.S. vinyl industry encompasses nearly 3,000 vinyl manufacturing facilities, more than 350,000 employees and an overall economic value of $54B. To learn more about the Vinyl Institute, please visit vinylinfo.org.
Rep. Grace Napolitano – VI Congressional Champion from Vinyl Institute on Vimeo.