Mr. President, it is with pleasure that I rise today to offer a resolution commending public servants, especially our federal workforce, for their dedication and continued service to the nation during Public Service Recognition Week, which began yesterday and runs through May 12, 2002. I am delighted to be joined in this effort by Senators Cochran, Durbin, Levin, Lieberman, Voinovich, Collins, and Thompson.

As my colleagues know, public service is a long and honored tradition in the United States. Today, more than ever, our nation is faced with challenges that affect not only our way of life, but also the security of our country. Although we are still grappling with these changes, there has been one steady and true beacon of hope and inspiration through this uncertainty - our federal workforce. Their dedication, commitment, and tireless service have contributed greatly to the country's recovery from the tragic events of September 11th and the anthrax attacks through the U.S. Mail.

Public Service Recognition Week represents an opportunity for us to honor and celebrate the commitment of individuals who serve the needs of the nation through work at all levels of government. Public Service Recognition Week is also a time to call on a new generation to consider public service. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal Services, I am pleased that there is renewed interest in working for the federal government. This trend is particularly heartening given that 50 percent of our federal workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years. I also wish to point out that every federal agency has a role in ensuring that our nation is protected and that it prospers, not just those agencies and federal employees that are directly fighting the war on terrorism.

I invite my colleagues to honor the patriotic commitment to public service that our federal employees exemplify and to join in the federal government's annual celebration. From May 9 - 12, 2002, there will be an extensive exhibit on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., showcasing many of our federal agencies and branches of the military, as well as highlighting the services these agencies provide.

In addition to the Mall exhibits, I encourage my colleagues to recognize federal employees, as well as state and local government employees within their states, to let them know how much their work is appreciated. Mr. Chairman, our resolution details the tremendous contributions that our public servants make to their country and communities.

I am very proud of the men and women who serve our country, both in and out of uniform. I urge my fellow members to use next week to thank our federal employees for their enthusiasm and selfless dedication to public service.