[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE AS A CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

  Mr. AKAKA. Madam President, I rise today to call attention to the 
dedicated men and women in our Federal workforce and the invaluable 
contributions they make to our Nation.
  The tragic events three weeks ago appropriately has focused our 
attention on new ways to protect our Nation's critical infrastructure. 
A number of activities have been identified including communication, 
emergency services, and transportation. All are essential to the 
running of our country. However, on September 11 we were all quickly 
reminded of another critical infrastructure--our Federal Government and 
its workforce. For every essential service these attacks disrupted, we 
expected our government to respond quickly and effectively--and those 
in government did. Our Nation's recovery will be aided because of the 
talents and professionalism of our Federal workforce.
  Like us all, I was struck by the heroism of rescue workers in the 
moments following the events of September 11. Law enforcement officers, 
firefighters, and others raced into buildings to save lives. Teachers 
calmed children in schools and kept them safe from the surrounding 
horrors. Local officials executed response plans and coordinated 
resources. These are among the many examples we will long remember.
  Representatives from the Federal Government worked side by side with 
those brave and selfless local and State heroes. Various federal 
agencies responded to immediate social and community needs by providing 
temporary food and shelter, emergency child care, and other support 
services. At ground-zero, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 
Army Corps of Engineers, and other Federal agencies worked with State 
and local rescue workers. They set up emergency and coordinated 
disaster responses, opened communications, and provided needed medical 
assistance. Federal transportation agencies worked with industry to put 
our air, rail, and road networks back into operation. Our Federal Law 
Enforcement Officers and intelligence specialists spent long hours in 
intense investigations to track down the terrorists and their networks. 
More than 2,100 federal employees were deployed in disaster response 
teams alone, not counting the thousands of others who responded to this 
national crisis as a part of their normal duties.
  Despite the attacks, Americans were able to rely on their government. 
We received our mail. The Federal Government ensured the stability of 
our financial markets and Americans were able to count on the 
reliability of their banks.
  Our Federal workforce responded in other ways not as immediately 
obvious, but just as important to our country's needs. Federal 
employees ensured the availability of a clean blood supply and 
monitored the quality of our air and water. Aid was provided through 
the timely processing of claims for survivors of victims and financial 
assistance for those not covered by unemployment insurance. Special 
loans were made available to small businesses and residents displaced 
by the disaster.
  Despite the events of September 11, our Nation is functioning and 
recovering. This is due in part to the efforts of our Federal workforce 
whose response was immediate and thorough. The Federal workforce is 
this nation's backbone. Our ability to be resolute in confronting a 
faceless enemy is partially attributable to the strength of our 
backbone. We can take comfort and pride in the resilience and fortitude 
of our government workers.

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