III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 108 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 14, 2005 Mr. Akaka (for himself, Mr. Voinovich, Ms. Collins, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Levin, Mr. Coburn, and Mr. Carper) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 2 through 8, 2005.

Whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the commitment of men and women who meet the needs of the Nation through work at all levels of government; Whereas over 18,000,000 individuals work in government service in every city, county, and State across America and in hundreds of cities abroad; Whereas Federal, State, and local officials perform essential services the Nation relies upon every day; Whereas the United States of America is a great and prosperous nation, and public service employees contribute significantly to that greatness and prosperity; Whereas the Nation benefits daily from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained individuals; Whereas public servants— (1)help the Nation recover from natural disasters and terrorist attacks; (2)provide vital strategic support functions to our military and serve in the National Guard and Reserves; (3)fight crime and fire; (4)deliver the United States mail; (5)deliver social security and medicare benefits; (6)fight disease and promote better health; (7)protect the environment and the Nation’s parks; (8)defend and secure critical infrastructure; (9)teach and work in our schools and libraries; (10)improve and secure our transportation systems; (11)keep the Nation’s economy stable; and (12)defend our freedom and advance United States interests around the world; Whereas public servants at every level of government are hard-working men and women, committed to doing their jobs regardless of the circumstances; Whereas members of the uniformed services and civilian employees at all levels of government make significant contributions to the general welfare of the United States, and are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism and in maintaining homeland security; Whereas public servants work in a professional manner to build relationships with other countries and cultures in order to better represent America’s interests and promote American ideals; Whereas Federal, State, and local government employees have risen to the occasion and demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and courage while fighting the war against terrorism; Whereas public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, abuse, and dangers to public health; Whereas the men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, as well as those skilled trade and craft Federal employees who provide support to their efforts, contribute greatly to the security of the Nation and the world; Whereas government workers have much to offer, as demonstrated by their expertise and innovative ideas, and serve as examples by passing on institutional knowledge to train the next generation of public servants; Whereas May 2 through 8, 2005, has been designated Public Service Recognition Week to honor America’s Federal, State, and local government employees; Whereas the theme for Public Service Recognition Week 2005 is Celebrating Government Workers Nationwide to highlight the important work civil servants perform throughout the Nation; and Whereas Public Service Recognition Week is celebrating its 21st anniversary through job fairs, student activities, and agency exhibits: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great Nation; (2)salutes their unyielding dedication and spirit for public service; (3)honors those government employees who have given their lives in service to their country; (4)calls upon a new generation of workers to consider a career in public service as an honorable profession; and (5)encourages efforts to promote public service careers at all levels of government.