[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         URGING PREVENTION OF ATTACKS AGAINST FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1187, 
which recognizes Federal employees for their outstanding service to our 
Nation and stresses the importance of promoting their safety and 
security while they are at work. H. Res. 1187 is an important measure 
that raises public awareness in regards to both the excellent work 
performed by Federal employees and the need to protect them on the job.
  I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman 
Moran, for recognizing the importance of seeking ways to improve the 
safety and security of Federal employees.
  Federal employees work long hours every day to ensure that Government 
is working for the American people. In return, we must do what we can 
to show our appreciation for their service. This includes ensuring 
their safety while at work. Unfortunately, recent events show that we 
can do more.
  Mr. Speaker, as Chairwoman of the House Committee on Homeland 
Security's Subcommittee on Emergency, Communications, Preparedness, and 
Response, I am particularly attuned to the threats facing our Federal 
employees. Between 2001 and 2008, more than 1,200 attacks have been 
made on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) buildings. The February 18, 2010 
attack on the Austin, Texas IRS building claimed the life of two-tour 
Vietnam veteran Vernon Hunter. The March 4, 2010 shooting that injured 
two Pentagon guards represented the fourth attack or security scare on 
a Federal building in 2010.
  These unfortunate events show that we must adopt a heightened focus 
on protecting Federal employees and securing Federal workplaces. 
Additionally, we should also be grateful for the service of the state 
and local government employees throughout the country and work to 
ensure that they, too, are safe at work. As the representative of 
thousands of state and local government employees, I understand the 
importance of the work they perform to ensure that our states and 
cities are run fairly and efficiently. We must be dedicated to their 
workplace safety.
  In addition, these attacks should also serve as a reminder of the 
need to enhance our security efforts not only for government employees, 
but for all Americans. The areas in and around my district contain 
multiple infrastructure sites of national importance, such as the Port 
of Long Beach, the Gerald Desmond Bridge, and the Alameda Corridor. Due 
to the constant flow of goods through these sites, they are vulnerable 
to attack and intentional sabotage. We must enhance our national 
security efforts to ensure that these sites, and the hundreds of others 
across the country, are secure and that the American people are safe.
  Mr. Speaker, we must continue to protect the people who serve us 
every day. I applaud the Federal employees who dedicate their lives in 
making sure government is working on behalf of the American people.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1187.

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