Posted on Tuesday, April 7, 2020
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is proud to present Congressman Paul Tonko with the Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment to awareness, prevention, and policy to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
Unfortunately, this year, due to health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, we postponed our 16th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. Once this pandemic subsides, and it is safe to travel, we are excited to travel to Washington, D.C. to present Congressman Tonko his award in person.
With years of experience, Tonko shared, “Sadly, for far too long the federal government has failed to address this threat with the seriousness it demands. It is shocking that despite all of the evidence, despite what we know of the dangers of asbestos exposure, despite the thousands of asbestos related deaths each year, that the United States continues to allow asbestos in commerce. It is past time to say enough.”
As a cosponsor of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN), Tonko said “I am very happy to report that H.R. 1603, the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019 was successfully advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last November with a strong bipartisan vote of 47-1.”
ADAO is eternally grateful for the tireless work of Congressman Tonko to protect public health and the environment. We thank him not only for his commitment to ARBAN but for our many meetings and his tender and caring discussions with mesothelioma patient Mike Mattmuller.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized, and rest assured, I am committed to continuing the fight to protect public health and prevent asbestos caused diseases.” said Tonko on receiving the 2020 ADAO Tribute of Hope award.
Together, we’re closer to a U.S. asbestos ban than ever before.
Linda Reinstein
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