I would like to thank our witnesses for their testimony this afternoon. They have told us, in many different ways, that individuals with strong backgrounds in science, math, and foreign languages are vital if the federal government is going to meet our national security needs.

In addition to having jurisdiction over the civil service, this Subcommittee also has oversight over international security and proliferation. Over the past year, we have held hearings on a number of different international security and proliferation issues. Whether the topic was monitoring multilateral treaties, assistance to Russia to prevent the loss, theft or diversion of weapons of mass destruction, or responding to acts of bioterrorism on our own soil, one thing was clear: our success in any of these areas will depend upon having the right people in the right place.

The Hart-Rudman Commission's final report states the excellence of American public servants is the foundation upon which an effective national security strategy must rest. The report notes that future success will require the mastery of advanced technology, from the economy to combat, as well as leading-edge concepts of governance.

The workforce concerns facing the federal government did not come about overnight. They are the result of years of neglect and focusing on short-term needs rather than long-term strategies. It will take sustained effort and support to hire, retain, and retrain employees with the critical skills needed to ensure homeland and national security.

The legislation that my colleagues and I have introduced is an effort to ensure that we have those public servants.

We are in a state of national emergency.

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We have no further questions for this panel at this time; however, members of this Subcommittee may submit questions in writing for any of the witnesses. We would appreciate a timely response to any questions.

I would like to express my appreciation, once again, for your time.