[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK

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                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Nation's public 
servants and thank them for their invaluable contributions to our 
country.
  In every community, federal employees work to make sure the 
government is effective, promote the common good and keep us safe. They 
are the people you call when you need help. As we celebrate Public 
Service Recognition Week, which started on Sunday, May 5, and ends on 
Saturday, May 11, I rise to express my gratitude to our civil servants 
for their tireless dedication and service.
  Federal employees often get little recognition for their work, 
despite the fact that day in and day out many of them are repeatedly 
put in dangerous situations. From the Customs and Border Patrol and DEA 
agents working to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking and 
drug runners, to the FBI agents rescuing children who have been 
kidnapped and finding suspected terrorists--federal employees perform 
vital jobs that make our country a safer and better place.
  Every day intelligence agents and Foreign Service officers on the 
front lines of duty sacrifice to defend democracy and keep us safe. The 
CIA agents who coordinated the raid to kill Osama bin Laden are federal 
employees. On the evening of the September 11, 2012 terrorist attack on 
the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, the Foreign Service officers 
representing our government at the consulate and annex where the attack 
occurred were federal employees.
  In addition to providing security abroad, federal employees regularly 
risk their lives to protect us here at home. Just last month, FBI and 
ATF agents worked diligently to track down the suspects in the Boston 
Marathon bombings. Without their hard work, we could not bring the 
individuals responsible for these unspeakable acts to justice.
  It is also important to recognize that many federal employees who are 
not directly in harm's way graciously serve our Nation. Nurses and 
doctors at the VA who care for our veterans and wounded warriors, 
medical researchers at NIH searching for a cure for cancer, diabetes, 
Alzheimer's, and autism are all federal employees. The FDA inspectors 
who trace E. coli and salmonella outbreaks to ensure that our food is 
safe to eat are federal employees.
  There are federal employees who propel our country to the forefront 
of scientific advancements. Scientists at Department of Energy labs, 
NASA astronauts, engineers and scientists all work to keep America 
competitive in the increasingly global economy. Meteorologists at 
weather service storm centers track hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, 
and blizzards so that we can prepare for inclement weather and natural 
disasters.
  Defense civilian riggers, machinists, refuelers, and engineers who 
repair sophisticated electronic weaponry systems at our Army depots, 
Air Force bases, and shipyards are the federal employees who support 
our military personnel. Air traffic controllers work to make sure we 
are safe when we travel. Federal firefighters protect homes and 
businesses when a lightning strike sets a national forest on fire. Park 
Service rangers facilitate safe hiking and camping in our national 
parks and tours of our national battlefields.
  These are but a few of the essential services federal employees 
provide. I hope my colleagues will join me in thanking them for their 
service to ensure the safety and security of our Nation.

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