ISEA Honors Three Lawmakers for Leadership on Worker Safety and PPE Innovation
The International Safety Equipment Association recognized members of Congress for advancing worker protections, supporting PPE innovation, and championing federal safety programs during its Nov. 19 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Nov 20, 2025
During its Annual Meeting on Nov. 19 at the International Spy Museum, ISEA will present its Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Reps. Summer Lee, D-Pa., and Don Bacon, R-Neb., along with U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J. The award honors lawmakers who the association says have advanced policies that protect workers, bolster U.S. manufacturing and encourage innovation in personal protective equipment.
“These honorees represent a rare kind of leadership—one that cuts through partisanship and focuses squarely on the health and safety of American workers,” ISEA President and CEO Cam Mackey said in a statement. “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.”
Lawmakers Recognized
ISEA highlighted each recipient’s efforts to support federal safety programs and promote access to certified PPE:
- Rep. Summer Lee, whose district includes the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh, has pushed to preserve NPPTL’s research and certification work and has raised concerns about proposed layoffs and program cuts.
- Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, has emphasized bipartisan cooperation to ensure first responders, manufacturers and other frontline workers have reliable protective equipment.
- Sen. Andy Kim recently led a congressional letter urging continued federal funding for OSHA and NIOSH, underscoring the agencies’ roles in workplace safety and PPE innovation.
Event Highlights Collaboration
ISEA described the award as both recognition and a reminder of the shared responsibility among industry and government to strengthen worker protections. The ceremony will bring together safety leaders, policymakers and advocates to discuss ongoing challenges in the PPE sector.
“PPE isn’t just equipment — it’s peace of mind for millions of workers and their families,” Mackey said. “These leaders understand that protecting lives is a shared responsibility, and they've put action behind their words.”
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.