[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR FEDERAL WORKFORCE

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, today, the House of Representatives will 
vote on a budget proposal that will begin to turn the tide away from 
Washington's habitual deficit spending. I applaud the House Budget 
Committee for making difficult choices to cut spending, for finding 
creative solutions to our country's fiscal challenges, and for taking 
vital action to stop planned cuts to our national defense--cuts that 
our military leaders have labeled as ``catastrophic.'' Addressing our 
nation's fiscal problems is one of my top priorities; however, I 
believe this can be done in a responsible fashion that does not 
undercut our nation's federal workforce.
  Federal employees have dedicated their lives to public service. They 
protect our nation's borders, defend our cities and communities from 
terrorism, provide critical assistance in the wake of natural 
disasters, and support and treat our nation's military personnel and 
veterans. At the same time, as our neighbors, they live, work, pay 
taxes, and spend the money that is helping to build economic growth in 
the private sector in Virginia.
  I believe we must reduce the size of our federal government in order 
to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness, but as we do so, we 
must never lose sight of the fact that a capable federal workforce is 
vital to that goal and we must recognize the contributions of our 
federal employees as we work to ensure our government is capable of 
meeting our country's future challenges.

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