ARLINGTON, VA -- The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) presented its Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) during its Executive Summit. The award recognizes members of Congress who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to policies that protect American workers, foster innovation in safety equipment, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

The summit took place in Washington, D.C on May 1st. Representative Lee, who represents southwestern Pennsylvania—including the district home to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) in Pittsburgh—was recognized for her tireless advocacy for worker safety and critical federal programs that enable it.

“Representative Lee has been a dedicated and highly effective voice in Congress for her constituents and the millions of workers who rely on certified safety equipment every day,” said Greg Martin, Senior Vice President and Chief Product & Technology Officer at MSA Safety and a member of ISEA’s Board of Trustees. MSA Safety’s Murrysville plant is located in Rep. Lee’s District.

Martin continued, “From one of her first visits to the NIOSH lab, she understood the value of its research and certification work. When asked to support increased federal funding, she didn’t hesitate—and now, as that same lab faces layoffs and program suspensions, she’s one of the loudest voices fighting to reverse the damage.”

In her remarks, Congresswoman Lee underscored the urgency of protecting NIOSH and other vital federal programs amid sweeping cuts. She reinforced her commitment to standing with ISEA and the broader safety community to ensure personal protective technologies remain available, affordable, and up to date.

“Every worker deserves to come home healthy after a shift,” said Lee. “PPE—from gloves to respirators—makes that possible. We must continue investing in innovation and oversight that protects lives, supports manufacturing jobs, and strengthens our economy. I’m proud to partner with ISEA to advance those goals.”

Lee currently serves on both the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where she has championed transparency, worker protections, and investment in safety.

ISEA President & CEO Cam Mackey called the award “a reflection of Representative Lee’s bold leadership and collaborative approach,” adding, “Her advocacy exemplifies what it means to champion safety not just as a policy priority—but as a shared responsibility.”