The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) will recognize four bipartisan congressional leaders for their commitment to worker safety on November 19, 2025. During its Annual Meeting at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., ISEA will present the prestigious Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Representatives Summer Lee (D-PA-12) and Don Bacon (R-NE-2), along with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ). This award celebrates lawmakers who have actively championed initiatives to protect American workers, enhance U.S. manufacturing, and promote innovation in personal protective equipment (PPE).
According to Cam Mackey, ISEA President & CEO, “These honorees represent a rare kind of leadership—one that cuts through partisanship and focuses squarely on the health and safety of American workers. Their advocacy is not about politics. It’s about making sure every worker—from healthcare to construction—can come home safe at the end of the day.”
Recognizing Leaders Committed to Safety
Each award recipient has contributed significantly to advancing worker safety in their respective areas. Rep. Summer Lee has been a vocal advocate for worker safety in her district, home to the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh. She has consistently raised concerns over potential layoffs and funding cuts, emphasizing that “every worker deserves to come home healthy after a shift.”
Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force Brigadier General, has developed a reputation for collaborating across party lines to support frontline workers. He has persistently highlighted the necessity for reliable, certified PPE for individuals in various sectors, including first responders and manufacturers.
Senator Andy Kim is known for his pragmatic approach to legislation. Recently, he led an initiative urging Congress to secure federal funding for vital agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and NIOSH, which are crucial for maintaining workplace safety and fostering scientific advancements in PPE.
Collaboration for Worker Safety
ISEA’s Legislative Leadership Award serves as more than just recognition; it acts as a call to action. The upcoming ceremony will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and safety advocates in one of Washington’s most distinctive venues. This gathering will underscore the importance of collaboration between government and industry to tackle pressing challenges in worker safety.
“PPE isn’t just equipment—it’s peace of mind for millions of workers and their families,” Mackey stated. “These leaders understand that protecting lives is a shared responsibility, and they’ve put action behind their words.”
About ISEA
The International Safety Equipment Association has served as the voice of the safety equipment industry for over 90 years. ISEA is recognized for its leadership in developing ANSI-accredited safety equipment standards and advocates for policies that enhance worker safety. The organization also provides actionable insights into the safety equipment market, develops essential skills for safety sales professionals, and fosters collaboration, learning, and growth within the industry. For more information, visit safetyequipment.org.
For inquiries, please contact Nicole Randall, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at the International Safety Equipment Association, at 202-330-2432 or via email at [email protected].
