Regarding H. Res. 1187

Floor Speech

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise as an original sponsor of H. Res. 1187 with my colleague Mr. Moran. This resolution recognizes the contributions of our federal employees and supports the goal of protecting their safety and security.

* It is a federal crime to assault or forcefully interfere with a federal employee while they are engaged in their official duties. Yet, between 2001 and 2008, there were more than 1,200 attacks made on just IRS employees alone. The most recent incident involved a pilot flying a small plane into an IRS office complex in Austin, Texas, killing Vernon Hunter, a Vietnam veteran and IRS employee.

* The Federal workforce is comprised of millions of employees who provide every kind of public service from fighting crime and fires, to protecting health, to preserving the environment and securing our borders. These dedicated public servants deserve our support, respect and protection.

* I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to express our appreciation to federal employees for the work they do, and to urge the government to seek out ways to ensure their safety.

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