Urging Prevention Of Attacks Against Federal Employees

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1187, which recognizes Federal employees for their outstanding service to our Nation and stresses the importance of promoting their safety and security while they are at work. H. Res. 1187 is an important measure that raises public awareness in regards to both the excellent work performed by Federal employees and the need to protect them on the job.

* I thank Chairman TOWNS for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman MORAN, for recognizing the importance of seeking ways to improve the safety and security of Federal employees.

* Federal employees work long hours every day to ensure that Government is working for the American people. In return, we must do what we can to show our appreciation for their service. This includes ensuring their safety while at work. Unfortunately, recent events show that we can do more.

* Mr. Speaker, as Chairwoman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency, Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I am particularly attuned to the threats facing our Federal employees. Between 2001 and 2008, more than 1,200 attacks have been made on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) buildings. The February 18, 2010 attack on the Austin, Texas IRS building claimed the life of two-tour Vietnam veteran Vernon Hunter. The March 4, 2010 shooting that injured two Pentagon guards represented the fourth attack or security scare on a Federal building in 2010.

* These unfortunate events show that we must adopt a heightened focus on protecting Federal employees and securing Federal workplaces. Additionally, we should also be grateful for the service of the state and local government employees throughout the country and work to ensure that they, too, are safe at work. As the representative of thousands of state and local government employees, I understand the importance of the work they perform to ensure that our states and cities are run fairly and efficiently. We must be dedicated to their workplace safety.

* In addition, these attacks should also serve as a reminder of the need to enhance our security efforts not only for government employees, but for all Americans. The areas in and around my district contain multiple infrastructure sites of national importance, such as the Port of Long Beach, the Gerald Desmond Bridge, and the Alameda Corridor. Due to the constant flow of goods through these sites, they are vulnerable to attack and intentional sabotage. We must enhance our national security efforts to ensure that these sites, and the hundreds of others across the country, are secure and that the American people are safe.

* Mr. Speaker, we must continue to protect the people who serve us every day. I applaud the Federal employees who dedicate their lives in making sure government is working on behalf of the American people.

* I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1187.

Source