Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011. This bill ensures that the next of kin of Federal civilian employees killed in the line of duty are presented a United States flag honoring the service and sacrifice of their loved one. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Lieberman and is a companion to a bi-partisan bill introduced by Representative Hanna. Representative Hanna's bill was recently reported favorably by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by unanimous voice vote. Every day, Federal civilian employees serve our nation at home and abroad, fulfilling critical roles that protect our citizens, our economy, and our freedom. Some put their lives at risk when doing so. Approximately 100,000 Federal civilian employees have served alongside the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last decade. Since 1992, nearly 3,000 Federal civilian employees have died in service of their country, including 24 killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Employees who make this ultimate sacrifice deserve the utmost gratitude and respect from their nation. U.S. law currently requires that a United States flag be presented to the next of kin of deceased U.S. military veterans, but no law or government-wide policy requires that Federal civilian employees killed in the line of duty be similarly recognized. Some Federal agencies have already established internal practices to honor employees killed in service with a U.S.…”