Barbara Mikulski: “The reason I wanted the amendment read is that I wanted to convey the importance that many of us feel in commending the…”

“The reason I wanted the amendment read is that I wanted to convey the importance that many of us feel in commending the employees who work here at the Capitol, both the police as well as other very important departments and divisions. I first compliment Senator Bennett and Senator Feinstein for the outstanding job they have done on moving the legislative branch appropriations bill. This sense of the Senate is in no way a commentary on their leadership, which I think has been exemplary. I think their leadership has been sensitive to the needs of employees and sensitive to the needs of the taxpayers. Also, I particularly want to thank Senators Feinstein and Bennett for adding the report language on the need for an employee ombudsman for the employees of the Architect of the Capitol. But we wanted to problem-solve over what was happening to the restaurant employees who often believe they have nowhere to go with many of their problems.”