[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4] [Senate] [Page 5436] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SENATE RESOLUTION 481--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT PUBLIC SERVANTS SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND CONTINUED PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE NATION DURING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK, MAY 3 THROUGH 9, 2010 Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Collins, Mr. Levin, Mr. Carper, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Burris, and Mr. Kaufman) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: S. Res. 481 Whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides an opportunity to recognize and promote the important contributions of public servants and honor the diverse men and women who meet the needs of the Nation through work at all levels of government; Whereas millions of individuals work in government service in every city, county, and State across America and in hundreds of cities abroad; Whereas public service is a noble calling involving a variety of challenging and rewarding professions; Whereas Federal, State, and local governments are responsive, innovative, and effective because of the outstanding work of public servants; Whereas the United States of America is a great and prosperous Nation, and public service employees contribute significantly to that greatness and prosperity; Whereas the Nation benefits daily from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained individuals; Whereas public servants-- (1) defend our freedom and advance United States interests around the world; (2) provide vital strategic support functions to our military and serve in the National Guard and Reserves; (3) fight crime and fires; (4) ensure equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service; (5) deliver Social Security and Medicare benefits; (6) fight disease and promote better health; (7) protect the environment and the Nation's parks; (8) enforce laws guaranteeing equal employment opportunity and healthy working conditions; (9) defend and secure critical infrastructure; (10) help the Nation recover from natural disasters and terrorist attacks; (11) teach and work in our schools and libraries; (12) develop new technologies and explore the earth, moon, and space to help improve our understanding of how our world changes; (13) improve and secure our transportation systems; (14) promote economic growth; and (15) assist our Nation's veterans; Whereas members of the uniformed services and civilian employees at all levels of government make significant contributions to the general welfare of the United States, and are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism and in maintaining homeland security; Whereas public servants work in a professional manner to build relationships with other countries and cultures in order to better represent America's interests and promote American ideals; Whereas public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, abuse, and dangers to public health; Whereas the men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, as well as those skilled trade and craft Federal employees who provide support to their efforts, are committed to doing their jobs regardless of the circumstances, and contribute greatly to the security of the Nation and the world; Whereas public servants have bravely fought in armed conflict in defense of this Nation and its ideals and deserve the care and benefits they have earned through their honorable service; Whereas government workers have much to offer, as demonstrated by their expertise and innovative ideas, and serve as examples by passing on institutional knowledge to train the next generation of public servants; Whereas May 3 through 9, 2010, has been designated Public Service Recognition Week to honor America's Federal, State, and local government employees; and Whereas Public Service Recognition Week is celebrating its 26th anniversary through job fairs, student activities, and agency exhibits: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great Nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year; (2) salutes government employees for their unyielding dedication and spirit for public service; (3) honors those government employees who have given their lives in service to their country; (4) calls upon all generations to consider a career in public service; and (5) encourages efforts to promote public service careers at all levels of government. Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize America's public servants, who provide so many of the vital services upon which this nation relies. As the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, I am pleased to once again introduce a resolution honoring these employees in celebration of Public Service Recognition Week. Every day, Americans rely on our hardworking and talented government employees. Public servants deliver our mail, educate our children, care for our veterans, guard our prisons, protect our borders and communities, and defend our country and the principles of liberty and freedom that we hold dear. They influence the lives of people around the world as diplomats, promoting peace, prosperity, and democracy in conflicted regions, and providing critical assistance to developing and impoverished communities. Just as President John F. Kennedy did in his 1961 inaugural address, President Obama has called on Americans to make a renewed commitment to public service. Public Service Recognition Week allows us not only to honor and celebrate the works of federal, state and local public employees, but also provides an opportunity for all Americans to explore the many possible careers in public service. Throughout the nation, public employees use the week to educate their fellow citizens on how government serves them, and how government services make life better for all of us. It is my hope that through these events, many young professionals will decide to pursue a career in public service. As a former teacher and a life-long public servant, I am proud to highlight the importance of Public Service Recognition Week. The many domestic and global challenges we face make this a critical time for our Nation. Although we have designated a week to pay tribute to government employees, it is also important that we honor the invaluable service of public servants throughout the year. Our way of life--and the strength of our country--would not exist without the work of public employees. This is the 26th year we have honored our public servants with Public Service Recognition Week during the first full week of May. Each year we use this week to recognize and honor the men and women who serve America as federal, state, and local government employees, and commend their dedication to serving others. I encourage my colleagues to recognize the public servants in their states and join me in this annual celebration. ____________________