A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 through 13, 2007.

Mr. President, today I rise to submit a resolution to honor Federal, State, and local government employees during Public Service Recognition Week. I am proud to be joined in this effort by Senators Voinovich, Lieberman, Collins, Levin, Stevens, Carper, Warner, and Lautenberg and by Representative Danny Davis, chairman of the House Federal Workforce Subcommittee, who is submitting this resolution in the House.

We all recognize the important work performed by public servants and the impact they have on all of our lives. Over hundreds of years, our country has grown and prospered due in large part to the dedication of public servants at all levels of government. Each day public servants, in small and large ways, work to maintain, and in many cases enhance, the quality of our lives.

Whether they are saving lives as firefighters, police officers, or members of the Coast Guard; preserving our environment by patrolling parks, discovering new ways to live ``green,'' or

working at wastewater treatment plants; working to improve government services by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse; or working to keep our Nation safe as members of our armed forces or as diplomats, public servants perform duties with excellence and professionalism that Americans rely on every day.

Public Service Recognition Week is a great occasion to draw attention to and underscore the valuable contributions of those who dedicate themselves to public service. For more than 20 years, the Nation has participated in a week-long celebration to highlight their achievements. This year, the 23rd annual Public Service Recognition Week will take place May 7-13, 2007. State and Federal agencies across the Nation plan to host activities to honor their achievements and improve public understanding of their contributions.

As the Federal Government is facing what the Office of Personnel Management calls a retirement tsunami, Public Service Recognition Week also provides an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase the rewarding and challenging careers in the public sector and inspire a new generation of public servants. Working for the public good is a high and noble calling, and this annual celebration is the perfect opportunity for Federal agencies to recruit new employees.

I want to thank all public employees for the work they do day after day to make government effective, and I urge my colleagues and all Americans to join in Federal, State, and local celebrations and recognize the outstanding contributions made by public servants to our daily lives. I ask my colleagues for their support for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 307) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 through 13, 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I would yield myself such time as I might consume.

H. Res. 307 commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 through May 13, 2007. This resolution salutes their unyielding dedication and spirit of public service.

On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, I introduced this legislation in conjunction with Senator Akaka, who introduced S. Res. 150 to honor and celebrate the commitment of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.

Over 18 million individuals in cities, counties and States in America and abroad serve our government and the American people. They perform essential services that the Nation relies upon every day. Federal employees from agencies like the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Food and Drug Administration are committed to promoting health, advances in research, regulating industries, and ensuring the well-being and safety of our citizens.

The men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States as well as the skilled trade and craft employees who support their efforts contribute greatly to the security of our country and to the world. We cannot thank our public servants enough for the work that they do for their fellow citizens day in and day out.

Governments at all levels simply cannot function properly without good employees who are committed to public service. We should be reminded of their contributions, not just in May, but when we are setting their pay and benefits, and by ensuring that they have the resources they need to do their jobs.

Last Wednesday, the Senate passed Senate Resolution 150, the companion bill to H. Res. 307, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentlelady for her comments, and I appreciate her support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 23rd annual Public Service Recognition Week. I am proud to be a co-chair of the Congressional Public Service Caucus, proud to have been a federal employee, and proud to represent in Congress a large number of my constituents who are federal employees. These employees are a national asset who work hard day after day with professionalism and dedication.

Federal employees are the backbone of our government. They can be found working to find cures for diseases at the National Institutes of Health, helping seniors with their Social Security benefits, representing our interests overseas in the State Department, serving as stewards of America's natural resources in the National Park Service, helping our country defend the homeland at the Department of Defense and at the Department of Homeland Security. These are but a few examples of the many areas in which federal employees are serving our country.

We must not forget those federal employees who are risking their lives in the war against

terrorism. The first combat death in Afghanistan in the wake of September 11 was CIA officer Johnny Micheal Spann, one of my constituents. And today, Federal employees can be found throughout the globe fighting the war against terrorism in many different ways.

The sacrifice and hard work of our federal employees, whether abroad or at home, should never be forgotten. Federal employees deserve fair pay--which is why I have been pleased to support pay parity for federal employees since I have been in Congress.

They deserve adequate health care--which is why I have supported legislation to make sure federal employees get quality health benefits.

And retired Federal employees must not be forgotten--which is why I have supported legislation to aid Federal employees who have retired from active service. Federal employees deserve to be honored during Public Service Recognition Week. But we must always remember the they are serving our country every day of the year.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I am extremely proud to rise today in support of H. Res. 307, honoring the millions of dedicated public servants that serve our Nation. Our country simply could not function without its innovative, professional, highly trained public service employees. At all levels of government you will find hardworking staff making our country prosper and thrive through their contributions. The expertise and work ethic offered by these individuals sets an honorable example for future generations of employees. From emergency responders to librarians, public servants span the spectrum of jobs that keep our country efficient and safe.

Beyond the tremendous work of civilian employees and uniformed service personnel, the members of our National Guard and Reserves are crucial to the welfare of all U.S. citizens. They provide vital strategic support for our Nation's military both at home and abroad. Their tremendous accomplishments with assisting States and countries overseas with natural disasters is to be praised.

Once again, I commend these employees for performing challenging and oftentimes thankless jobs with honor and dedication. I appreciate them for moving our country forward and maintaining our safety and security. For these reasons I am thrilled to express my support for a week of honoring these individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Homeland Security/Governmental Affairs Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 150, and that the Senate then proceed to its consideration.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without further intervening action or debate.