Political Quotes

“I rise to express my support for the Federal Workforce Restructuring Act of 1993. Congress likes to talk about downsizing as an abstract mathematical exercise. But for Federal employees, the threat of massive reductions is very real. Over the past few months, I have spoken with hundreds of Federal employees in my district who don't know whether they will have a job a year from now. They express their frustration at not being in charge of their own destiny. They tell me that without buy-outs, they are caught in a no-win situation--retire now into an uncertain job market or risk being the victim of downsizing. Buy-outs are clearly the most humane way to downsize. All the other options cost more money, disrupt lives and leave the Government unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Buy-outs allow agencies to thin out middle management while preserving staff on the front lines. Buy-outs create a healthy mix of young people, with new ideas to move us into the future, alongside senior staff with corporate memory to help us build upon the successes of the past. Most importantly, buy-outs will not place the downsizing burden on women, minorities and the disabled.”