Mr. President, I rise today during Public Service Recognition Week 2000 to encourage my colleagues to take a moment to honor the many selfless actions and outstanding accomplishments of our nations' state, local, and federal public servants. As the Ranking Member on the Senate Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal Services, with direct jurisdiction over the federal civil service, I take particular pride in honoring the millions of dedicated men and woman who work around the clock on our behalf.
Their responsibilities are as varied as the challenges presented by their jobs. Our armed forces and civilian defense workers keep us out of harm's way--both domestically and abroad– our public school teachers instruct our children, and the U.S. Postal Service provides delivery to every address in the nation. Our public servants safeguard our food supplies; support our social services infrastructure, oversee and protect our economy; and so much more. These men and women are the backbone of what makes America great. We often take them for granted and in certain instances subject them to scorn and ridicule. With little recognition from the public they serve, these employees are unwavering in their dedication, honor, purpose, and ability to serve their cities, counties, states, and federal government.
I am heartened that so many school districts are fostering public service by requiring their students to serve as volunteers prior to graduating high school. As a former school teacher and administrator, I believe that voluntary service is useful and appropriate in developing a sense of community and fellowship, and I am hopeful that as each generation matures it will see the value of continuing their public service by working in state, local, or federal government. However, I am aware that Congress must play a role in supporting public service.
At a Governmental Affairs Committee hearing this week on the effectiveness of federal employee incentive programs it became evident that the lack of sufficient funds to support a viable and much-needed compensation, recognition, and incentives programs for federal employees was hampering efforts to recruit, retain, and relocate federal workers.
Federal agencies, if given adequate funding, would be better positioned to utilize incentive programs that are already available. Flattened budgets and the pressure to reallocate limited resources do not benefit federal employees or the ultimate end-user: the American taxpayer.
Our nation's federal civil servants have given much to their country, especially when Congress was balancing the budget during times of crunching deficits. Now that the country is enjoying record-breaking surpluses, I believe federal employees should be rewarded for their contributions, and I will continue to push for realistic budgets and salaries for federal agencies and their employees.
I proudly join all public service workers in observance of the 15th annual Public Service Recognition Week, and I heartily salute the past accomplishments, outstanding service, and future contributions that these outstanding men and women make to our nation's greatness.
