Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition Week, the week of May 3 through 9, 2020.

Whereas the week of May 3 through 9, 2020, has been designated as Public Service Recognition Week 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 United States through work at all levels of government and as members of the uniformed services; Whereas millions of individuals work in government service, and as members of the uniformed services, in every State, county, and city across the United States and in hundreds of cities abroad; Whereas public service is a noble calling involving a variety of challenging and rewarding professions; Whereas the ability of the Federal Government and State and local governments to be responsive, innovative, and effective depends on outstanding performance of dedicated public servants; Whereas the United States is a great and prosperous country, and public service employees contribute significantly to that greatness and prosperity; Whereas the United States benefits daily from the knowledge and skills of the highly trained individuals who work in public service; Whereas public servants— (1) defend the freedom of the people of the United States and advance the interests of the United States around the world; (2) provide vital strategic support functions to the Armed Forces 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 benefits under the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 301 42 U.S.C. 1395 (6) fight disease and promote better health; (7) protect the environment and the parks of the United States; (8) enforce laws guaranteeing equal employment opportunity and healthy working conditions; (9) defend and secure critical infrastructure; (10) help the people of the United States recover from natural disasters and terrorist attacks; (11) teach and work in schools and libraries; (12) develop new technologies and explore the Earth, the Moon, and space to help improve knowledge on how the world changes; (13) improve and secure transportation systems; (14) promote economic growth; and (15) assist veterans of the Armed Forces; 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 to defeat terrorism and maintain homeland security; Whereas public servants work in a professional manner to build relationships with other countries and cultures in order to better represent the interests and promote the ideals of the United States; Whereas public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, and abuse, and of dangers to public health; Whereas the individuals serving in the uniformed services, as well as the skilled trade and craft employees of the Federal Government who provide support to their efforts, are committed to doing their jobs regardless of the circumstances, and contribute greatly to the security of the United States and the world; Whereas public servants have bravely fought in armed conflicts in the defense of the United States and its ideals, and deserve the care and benefits they have earned through their honorable service; Whereas public servants 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 amid the COVID–19 pandemic, Federal workers continue to serve on the frontlines to keep our country running; Whereas their service and perseverance has allowed essential services to continue operating, minimized the disruption to Americans’ daily lives, and has continued to play a critical role in protecting our communities’ health and safety; and Whereas the week of May 3 through 9, 2020, marks the 36th anniversary of Public Service Recognition Week: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of Public Service Recognition Week (2) commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great country during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year; (3) salutes government employees, and members of the uniformed services, for their unyielding dedication to and enthusiasm for public service; (4) honors government employees and members of the uniformed services who have given their lives in service to their country; (5) calls upon a new generation to consider a career in public service as an honorable profession; (6) encourages efforts to promote public service careers at all levels of government; and (7) expresses gratitude to the Federal workers who have selflessly answered the call to serve their country during these unprecedented times.

Summary: This resolution supports the designation of Public Service Recognition Week and expresses gratitude to federal workers for their service during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.