Congressman Pat Meehan won the support of a prominent labor union today.

Three weeks before the Congressional midterm elections, the IUPAT endorsed Meehan for his work building job security for the skilled tradesmen represented by the union. Meehan’s membership on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 113th Congress means he is quite familiar with the work of the IUPAT.

“These hardworking men and women are improving the quality of life for residents across Southeastern Pennsylvania,” Meehan said of the endorsement. “What they do every day improves the infrastructure that keeps people moving in our region.”

The IUPAT is an international organization with workers in the U.S. and Canada who work in the Finishing Trades, such as commercial and industrial painting and drywall. The organization has recognized Meehan’s work to engage Capitol Hill with the needs of the workers who maintain America’s infrastructure.

Joe Ashdale, Business Manager for IUPAT District Council 21 said of the decision to endorse Meehan that he has “long served as a voice for working families in Southeastern Pennsylvania” and that he is “committed to learning first-hand how infrastructure investment is crucial to creating more jobs for not only the men and women of the IUPAT, but for the entire construction industry.”

Meehan’s past work with infrastructure reform includes the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, a bipartisan act which allowed the U.S. Army to employ citizens to improve ports and increase flood protection in vulnerable areas. Meehan, who continues to run on a platform that stresses the importance of infrastructure on transportation, received the IUPAT’s endorsement before visiting the Ben Franklin Bridge painting project.

“I appreciate their support for my reelection, and I am committed to working with them on their priorities in the future” Meehan said in a press release following the IUPAT’s commitment.

Meehan is currently serving his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is running against Democrat Mary Ellen Balchunis for re-election in Pennsylvania’s 7th District.