[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CIVILIAN SERVICE RECOGNITION ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2011

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 2061, ``The Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011.'' This bill 
authorizes the presentation of a United States flag at the funeral of 
federal civilian employees who are killed while performing official 
duties or because of their status as a federal employee. The bill 
affords the head of an executive agency the ability to present the 
United States' flag to an individual who was an employee of the agency 
and dies of injuries incurred in connection with such individual's 
employment with the Federal government, suffered as a result of a 
criminal act, an act of terrorism, a natural disaster, or other 
circumstance as determined by the President.
  As a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, I value the lives of 
all American citizens who devote themselves to the public cause. 
America has a longstanding tradition of honoring soldiers, sailors, 
marines, and airmen who have fallen in battle. The debt we owe our 
nation's armed service members, especially those who have fallen, 
cannot be quantified. It is imperative that we recognize and fully 
appreciate the men and women who risk their lives each day for our 
freedom.
  Just as we recognize our military for their bravery, we must 
recognize our civil servants for their dedication to this nation. Our 
country is made great on the backs of millions of federal employees. 
Much like the men and women of the Armed Forces, the individuals tasked 
with federal law enforcement and protection put their lives on the line 
every day.
  In March 2011, Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry died from a critical 
gunshot wound while attempting to apprehend a fugitive wanted for 
assaulting a police officer and drug possession in St. Louis, MO. Mr. 
Perry dedicated his life to federal law enforcement, and sacrificed his 
life to make the country safer for all Americans. Deputy U.S. Marshal 
John Perry was a brave and patriotic civil servant who certainly 
deserves the honor of the United States flag.
  NASA employee David Beverly was employed by the Johnson Space Center 
in Houston, Texas, where I represent the 18th Congressional District. 
On April 20, 2007 Mr. Beverly was fatally shot in the chest during a 
hostage ordeal inside the Space Center. An electrical parts specialist, 
David Beverly fostered innovation and space exploration for the benefit 
of all Americans.
  I have met many Americans who are proud of the work our government 
does. These sentiments can only be attributed to the civil servants who 
are the first line of contact to the federal government. Federal 
workers offer themselves in service to their country. They serve their 
duties with great pride. Federal employees serve this nation because 
they believe in their sense of civic duty. Civil servants believe their 
work provides them with an opportunity to protect and build the nation 
for future generations. They seek to serve their country rather than 
their own self-interests, and share in the belief that country comes 
first above all else.
  Federal employees are our neighbors; they are husbands and wives, 
sisters and brothers, sons and daughters. They sacrifice time spent 
with their families. They work long hours to support and defend the 
Constitution. They pledge their allegiance to this land of freedom and 
opportunity. They take the initiative to develop new and innovative 
programs, techniques, and tools to improve the way the federal 
government serves its citizens.
  In my home state of Texas, approximately 190,000 people work for the 
federal government. Houston employs approximately 30,000 federal 
workers. They represent the values that we hold dear to our democracy. 
These values are grounded in patriotism dedicated to making this nation 
realize its loyalty to its citizens.
  These civil servants make a positive difference in the lives of 
Americans. They play an essential role in addressing challenging and 
critical national issues. They create strong, sustainable, inclusive 
communities and quality affordable homes for all. They help keep 
terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. as well as secure and 
facilitate trade and travel while enforcing immigration and drug laws. 
These federal agencies care for our troops when they return from 
battle. The agencies make sure our borders are safe. They make sure the 
air we breathe and the water we drink are clean. I am extremely proud 
of the work that these federal employees do. I want them to know that I 
support them and will forever be indebted to their great deeds.