[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5111-H5113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 299) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives that public servants should be commended for their 
dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service 
Recognition Week, May 4 through 10, 2009, and throughout the year.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 299

       Whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides an 
     opportunity to recognize and promote the important 
     contributions of public servants and to honor the diverse men 
     and women who meet the needs of the Nation through work at 
     all levels of government;
       Whereas millions of individuals work in government service 
     in every city, county, and State across America and in 
     hundreds of cities abroad;
       Whereas public service is a noble calling, involving a 
     variety of challenging and rewarding professions;
       Whereas Federal, 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 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) 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 Nation's parks;
       (8) enforce laws guaranteeing equal employment opportunity 
     and healthy working conditions;
       (9) defend and secure critical infrastructure;
       (10) help the Nation recover from natural disasters and 
     terrorist attacks;
       (11) teach and work in our schools and libraries;
       (12) develop new technologies and explore the earth, 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 active duty service members and veterans;

       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 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, are 
     committed to doing their jobs regardless of the 
     circumstances, and contribute greatly to the security of the 
     Nation and the world;
       Whereas public servants have bravely fought in armed 
     conflict in defense of this Nation 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;
       Whereas May 4 through 10, 2009, has been designated Public 
     Service Recognition Week to honor America's Federal, State, 
     and local government employees; and
       Whereas Public Service Recognition Week is celebrating its 
     25th anniversary through job fairs, student activities, and 
     agency exhibits: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends public servants for their outstanding 
     contributions to this great Nation during Public Service 
     Recognition Week and throughout the year;
       (2) salutes government employees for their unyielding 
     dedication and spirit of public service;
       (3) honors those government employees who have given their 
     lives in service to their country;
       (4) calls upon a new generation 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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?

[[Page H5112]]

  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 25th anniversary of 
Public Service Recognition Week. From May 4 through May 10, 2009, 
Public Service Recognition Week is designed to commemorate the hard 
work, dedication and sacrifice made by our Nation's Federal, State, and 
local government employees.
  As chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, 
Postal Service and the District of Columbia, I am proud to have 
introduced H. Res. 299 as it sends a strong message to public workers 
everywhere that their work and effort on behalf of this country is 
valued and their services appreciated.
  I introduced H. Res. 299 on March 30, 2009, and I am pleased to 
report that the measure has been considered and reported from the 
Oversight Committee as of April 23, 2009.
  While this measure has the support of only 60 Members of Congress, it 
affords each and every one of us a chance to celebrate and pay tribute 
to the thousands of civilian and military personnel that commit 
themselves daily to the greatness and prosperity of our country. To all 
of the public servants that touch our lives, our great teachers, our 
mail carriers, our firefighters, we say ``thank you.'' From the 
soldiers in the field to the agents on the border, the service rendered 
by public service workers may be the key to our basic functionality, 
but yet it is so often overlooked.
  While Public Service Week lasts only 7 days, I believe that the 
contributions and sacrifices of public servants should be recognized 
and appreciated throughout the entire year. As chairman of the 
Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, my highest priority is to 
improve the working conditions, benefits and opportunities afforded to 
our civil servants. They deserve our highest recognition and praise, 
but all too often they are criticized and undervalued. During this 
session, I have introduced or supported legislation that would provide 
paid leave to Federal employees that are new parents, that would 
protect postal workers' jobs from being contracted out to the private 
sector, and that would allow Federal employees a credit for their 
unused sick leave when computing their retirement annuities.
  Commemoration of Public Service Recognition Week runs from the first 
Monday through the first Sunday of May and will involve job fairs, 
student activities and agency exhibits, all designed to highlight the 
significance of public service and to encourage young people to 
consider public service. This week offers all Americans the opportunity 
to both recognize and learn more about the significant contributions 
that public sector employees make on a daily basis to our local 
communities, States and our Nation.
  The theme for this year's celebration is ``Government Goes Green.'' 
This will give government agencies an opportunity to showcase how they 
are working to have a positive impact on the globe through 
environmentally friendly practices and energy-efficient initiatives.
  Whether it is the Environmental Protection Agency keeping our air and 
water safe, the Department of Interior preserving and managing our 
Nation's parks, or the Department of Energy developing cleaner fuel 
alternatives, public servants have been on the forefront of protecting 
our Earth.
  Also, Public Service Recognition Week offers a chance for Americans, 
especially young Americans, to learn more about various careers in the 
public service. By showing younger generations that hard work, 
dedication and passion in serving the common good leads to a productive 
and successful career, we will inspire our young people to seriously 
consider entering the field of public service.
  In our busy daily lives, we often take for granted the hard work and 
services provided by government employees. These people are what make 
our country move, and they make it the greatest country in the world. 
Therefore, we have an obligation to recognize and honor the 
contributions made by those who put their love of country above 
personal motivations.
  In short, they are all American heroes and the subject of today's 
measure, H. Res. 299, the commemoration of Public Service Recognition 
Week.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to ask a letter from the Office of 
Personnel Management Director, John Berry, praising our Nation's public 
employees to be entered into the Record. I know that Director Berry and 
the President alike share my commitment in making the Federal 
Government a better place to work. Therefore, it is with a warm sense 
of appreciation and deep gratitude that I stand to urge support for 
this measure.

                               Office of Personnel Management,

                                      Washington, DC, May 5, 2009.
     Hon. Stephen F. Lynch,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on the Federal Service, Postal 
         Service, and District of Columbia, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to thank you for your 
     sponsorship of H. Res. 299, a resolution expressing the sense 
     of the House of Representatives that public servants should 
     be commended for their dedication and continued service to 
     the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 4 
     through 10, 2009, and throughout the year.
       As you know, Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated 
     the first Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, is a time 
     set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve 
     America as Federal, State and local government employees. 
     Throughout the Nation and around the world, public employees 
     use the week to educate citizens about the many ways in which 
     government serves the people and how government services make 
     life better for all of us.
       As the Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     (OPM), Public Service Recognition Week is the perfect time to 
     spread President Obama's call to public service and to 
     recognize public employees. I am committed to making the 
     Federal Government a better place to work by speeding up the 
     hiring process, increasing opportunities for veterans, and 
     implementing programs that help employees balance work and 
     family life.
       Thank you for your continued leadership in recognizing the 
     hard work of our public servants during Public Service 
     Recognition Week and I look forward to working with you to 
     make the Federal Government a better place to work.
           Sincerely,
                                                       John Berry,
                                                         Director.

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to rise today in support of H. Res. 
299 honoring the millions of dedicated public employees who steadfastly 
serve our Nation. These highly competent and well-trained public 
service employees who work at all levels of government, Federal, State 
and local, are a great example of an excellent workforce both here and 
abroad. They exhibit their professionalism and expertise as they handle 
the enormous amount of work that flows through all levels of government 
on a daily basis. Their sense of dedication and innovation are at the 
very core of this country's successes. Keeping our Nation running and 
safe are the emergency responders, the educators and medical personnel, 
and all others who are part of a larger group that we proudly call 
public service employees. Without them, our country simply could not 
function.
  When speaking of public sector employees, we must particularly note 
the brave men and women who serve in the Armed Forces who continue to 
make all Americans proud as they dedicate their life and limb to 
keeping us all safe throughout the world. Those on the front lines 
deserve special recognition for their public service which is truly 
above and beyond the ordinary call of duty. These soldiers are provided 
vital strategic support from fellow public service employees both at 
home and abroad.
  When natural disasters hit communities around the country and the 
world, it is our public service employees who provide support at every 
level. For this, they should also be commended. It is an honor for me 
to congratulate these fine citizens for performing challenging and many 
times thankless jobs with dedication every day. Because of our public 
service employees, we have a country that is safe and secure for all of 
us.

                              {time}  1315

  For these reasons, I express my strong support of Public Service 
Recognition Week.
  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the millions of 
men and women, in and out of uniform, who devote themselves daily to 
doing the public's work.
  Without the service of these dedicated and selfless individuals, the 
country could not function. Public servants are on the front lines in 
Iraq and on the front lines fighting the Swine

[[Page H5113]]

Flu. They are the first to come to our aid in a crisis and the last to 
leave a burning building. They teach our children, pass our laws and 
bind our wounds. Without them, our lives would come to a halt. For 
their dedicated and continued service to the nation, I encourage my 
colleagues to join me in support of public servants everywhere and in 
support of Public Service Recognition Week.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentleman for supporting this measure. I 
appreciate his support.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 299.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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