III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 419 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 17, 2012 Mr. Akaka (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Carper, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Webb, Mr. Coons, Mr. Brown of Massachusetts, and Mr. Cardin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs April 25, 2012 Reported by Mr. Lieberman, without amendment April 26, 2012 Considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition Week.

Whereas the week of May 6 through 12, 2012, has been designated as Public Service Recognition Week to honor the employees of the Federal Government and State and local governments of the United States of America; Whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides an opportunity to recognize and promote the important contributions of public servants and honor the diverse men and women who meet the needs of the United States through work at all levels of government; Whereas millions of individuals work in government service in every city, county, and State across the United States and in hundreds of cities abroad; Whereas public service is a noble calling involving a variety of challenging and rewarding professions; Whereas the Federal Government and State and local governments are responsive, innovative, and effective because of the outstanding work of public servants; Whereas the United States is a great and prosperous country, and public service employees contribute significantly to that greatness and prosperity; Whereas the United States benefits daily from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained individuals; Whereas public servants— (1)defend our freedom and advance the interests of the United States around the world; (2)provide vital strategic support functions to our military and serve in the National Guard and Reserves; (3)fight crime and fires; (4)ensure equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service; (5)deliver Social Security and Medicare benefits; (6)fight disease and promote better health; (7)protect the environment and the parks of the United States; (8)enforce laws guaranteeing equal employment opportunity and healthy working conditions; (9)defend and secure critical infrastructure; (10)help the people of the United States recover from natural disasters and terrorist attacks; (11)teach and work in our schools and libraries; (12)develop new technologies and explore the Earth, the Moon, and space to help improve our understanding of how our world changes; (13)improve and secure our transportation systems; (14)promote economic growth; and (15)assist the veterans of our country; 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 to defeat terrorism and maintain homeland security; Whereas public servants work in a professional manner to build relationships with other countries and cultures in order to better represent the interests and promote the ideals of the United States; Whereas public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, and abuse, and of 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, are committed to doing their jobs regardless of the circumstances, and contribute greatly to the security of the country and the world; Whereas public servants have bravely fought in armed conflict in defense of this country and its ideals, and deserve the care and benefits they have earned through their honorable service; 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; and Whereas the week of May 6 through 12, 2012, marks the 28th anniversary of Public Service Recognition Week: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the designation of the week of May 6 through 12, 2012, as Public Service Recognition Week; (2)commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great country during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year; (3)salutes government employees for their unyielding dedication to and spirit for public service; (4)honors those government employees who have given their lives in service to their country; (5)calls upon a new generation to consider a career in public service as an honorable profession; and (6)encourages efforts to promote public service careers at all levels of government.