Supporting Federal Workers

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of our Nation's Federal workers. As a proud member of the Labor Caucus, I stand with these professionals who keep our government running. Their work is vital to the health, safety, and security of the American people.

Since taking office, President Trump has attacked Federal employees, seeking to replace nonpartisan civil servants with unqualified political loyalists. These workers ensure our food is safe, our air and water are clean, and our veterans are cared for. They process Social Security benefits, safeguard our airports, and protect our communities.

More than 85 percent of Federal workers serve outside of the National Capital region, meaning these attacks impact every single congressional district in our Nation, including mine in New Orleans and the River Parishes.

Firing Federal workers leads to delays in Social Security payments, longer VA wait times, and fewer law enforcement officers on the street. We cannot allow reckless policies to dismantle these vital services.

Trump's administration recently issued a deferred resignation offer, claiming employees could resign by February 6 and still receive pay benefits until September 30, 2025. There is no evidence that this is legal or even real.

Federal employees who accept this offer may face retaliation, unemployment, and no recourse. This is a calculated effort to weaken agencies and cut services. Simply put, it is a sham.

We must also oppose Schedule F, which would strip civil service protections, making employees at will and vulnerable to political purges. Our government should be staffed by professionals based on merit, not political loyalty. The American people deserve a government that works for them and not for some partisan politician.

Finally, Trump's union-busting tactics, including rejecting legally bargained contracts, cannot stand. The right to collective bargaining is a fundamental right, and these agreements must be honored.

To all Federal workers: America needs you. The Labor Caucus has your back, and we will fight for your rights, your jobs, your dignity, and your livelihood. Stand strong. We are with you. Don't fall for the okey doke. Know this: We stand with you, and we have your backs.

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