Page 2 - profiles in civil service program 2018 version

FOREWORD

Maryland boasts one of the most dedicated and service-minded workforces in the country. More
than 136,000 federal civil servants and another 165,000 federal civilian retirees call our great state
home. These men and women have made our country stronger thanks to their service, and we are
honored to represent them.

Federal employees are tasked with the fundamental responsibility of serving to protect, promote,
and preserve the rights and interests of the people of the United States. These public servants work
tirelessly to guard our borders; protect us from terrorists; treat our wounded veterans; dispense Social
Security checks to our retirees; find cures for diseases; guide the Nation's air traffic; explore the tiniest
particles and the vast expanse of outer space; ensure our air is safe to breathe, our water is safe to drink,
and our food is safe to eat; support our servicemen and women in harm's way; and promote our interests
and ideals abroad. Federal employees are responsible for many noteworthy and inspiring
accomplishments that are seldom recognized or celebrated. For these reasons and more, we are proud to
author this foreword to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Maryland
Federation’s 2018 Profiles in Civil Service. We believe strongly in the importance of highlighting the

positive contributions of Marylanders who have dedicated their careers to serving our country.

It is essential that the American people, Congress included, recognize the federal workforce as a
crucial national asset. It is especially important to understand that as our population has grown, the
civilian federal workforce is smaller per capita now than it was over 40 years ago. Doing more with
less has become a day-to-day necessity. Despite this reality, there are some who have made a habit of
demonizing and demoralizing the federal workforce. Reducing pay and benefits, attacking official time
and collective bargaining rights, and eliminating or degrading civil service due process rights make it
harder for the Federal Government to attract the best and brightest to public service. These attacks must
stop. Federal employees have already contributed nearly $200 billion to deficit reduction, primarily in
the form of higher retirement contributions and foregone wages. Rather than denigrating federal
workers and retirees, we should commend the accomplishments and service of these hardworking,
patriotic Americans. In the Senate, we will continue fighting for the rights and benefits our civil servants
have earned.

The Federal Government can only function effectively when its workers are treated fairly, with
adequate compensation -- including pay, health, retirement, and other benefits -- to attract and retain
qualified, diverse, and dedicated employees. This carries over to protecting the rights and benefits of
current and future retirees who worked and sacrificed throughout their careers with a promise of future
financial security.

We thank NARFE for this book, which acknowledges the contributions of federal employees by
sharing their stories of patriotism and service. We are grateful for their role in bettering the Federal
Government, the Maryland community, and the country as a whole. Public service is often hard,
thankless work, but it is one of the cornerstones that has made America such an exceptional and
prosperous nation. It is a privilege to represent so many public servants, and we are proud to help bring

them the recognition and gratitude they deserve.

Benjamin L. Cardin Chris Van Hollen
United State Senator United State Senator