[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2211-S2212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Public Service Recognition Week

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bipartisan 
Senate resolution recognizing the thousands of Arizonans and millions 
more across America who go to work every day to serve their fellow 
citizens, protect our communities, and make our country a stronger 
place.
  America's public servants work across our uniformed services, as well 
as in Federal, State, and local governments, to advance our country's 
health and safety. If we ever needed a reminder of the importance of 
our public servants, the past year has provided one. Throughout the 
coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn, public servants 
kept us safe, provided care for our heroes, coordinated urgent medical 
supplies for our communities, and helped keep our small businesses 
open.
  Along our borders with Mexico and Canada, Border Patrol agents 
tackled challenging conditions to provide security, limit the spread of 
COVID-19, and protect our communities from criminal activity. At ports 
of entry, Customs officers worked to maintain cross-border trade and 
commerce to keep fueling American jobs.
  VA employees cared for our veterans and are playing a critical role 
in delivering vaccines to veterans, veterans' spouses, and caregivers 
and dependents.
  Postal employees continued to deliver the mail, keeping everyday 
families connected and helping employers remain open.
  To all of our firefighters, police officers, public health officials, 
and teachers, you deserve our thanks every day, but moments of crisis 
often help to remind us how much we rely on all of you.
  When Kingman, AZ, recently experienced a cyber attack, it was local 
officials, alongside members of the National Guard, who mobilized to 
contain the damage and get the city back online.
  Through these moments of sacrifice and service, these men and women 
show that public service is not about winning partisan political 
battles or getting your fame out on cable news. It is about serving a 
cause greater than ourselves.
  In Arizona we are no strangers to dedicated public servants who left 
their marks on our State and country--from Sandra Day O'Connor, the 
first woman to lead the Arizona State Senate and to be appointed to the 
U.S. Supreme Court, to my personal hero, Senator John McCain, who 
dedicated his life to public service, both in uniform and here in the 
U.S. Senate.
  Beginning this Sunday, America will mark Public Service Recognition 
Week, and I am honored to again introduce this year's bipartisan Public 
Service Recognition Week resolution with my friend Senator Lankford of 
Oklahoma.
  On the Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management, 
Senator Lankford and I work closely together to strengthen Americans' 
confidence in our government by making the government work better for 
everyday Americans. That is a goal we share with all of America's 
public servants, and I am proud that last year the Senate came together 
across party lines to approve our resolution and honor public service.

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  Our bipartisan resolution recognizes the crucial work of Federal, 
State, and local employees and public servants across the country, and 
it particularly recognizes the work of the millions of public servants 
who have overcome the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
  As Senator Lankford has often said to our country's public servants, 
``America could not succeed without you.''
  Public service is a noble calling, and millions answer that call 
every day, often underpaid and underappreciated. I am honored to thank 
these employees for keeping our communities and our Nation safe and 
secure, and for serving as examples to the next generation of public 
servants who will continue their legacy.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado