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Hoyer and the National Capital Region House Delegation Meet with Federal Employee Union Presidents

July 9, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) hosted a meeting on Capitol Hill with the National Capital Region House Delegation and presidents of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the NationalTreasury Employees Union (NTEU). The Members in attendance included Representatives Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, (all D-MD), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), John Delaney (D-MD) and Don Beyer (D-VA).The meeting focused on current priorities for federal employees including the Office of Personnel Management data breach, pay issues and employee benefits.

"I represent more than 62,000 federal workers who live in my district and I was pleased to meet with AFGE and NTEU's presidents today to hear their concerns," said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD). "Our federal employees have had to recently endure the OPM data breach, along with continued uncertainty due to the sequester. They deserve our gratitude and I will continue to fight on their behalf to make sure federal employees get the pay and benefits they have earned."

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to learn more about the priorities and issues of our nation's dedicated federal employees," Congressman Cummings (D-MD) said. "Federal workers play a vital role in the lives of millions of Americans. These are the men and women finding lifesaving cures at NIH, catching criminals, supporting our troops, and protecting the environment.  That is why we must remain committed to investing in the Federal Government's most valuable resource."

"Given the potential harmful impact of the massive data breach at OPM on the large number of federal employees in Maryland, this meeting was urgently needed," said Congressman Van Hollen (D-MD). "I'm pleased we also had an opportunity to discuss other issues of vital importance to federal employees, including the ongoing attack on their pay and benefits by Congressional Republicans."

"Our federal workers have been subjected to a relentless assault over the past several years, from furloughs to salary cuts to the most recent OPM data breach," said Congressman Ruppersberger (D-MD). "This meeting was a great opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the 314,000 federal employees and service members who call Maryland home."

"I enjoyed meeting today with representatives from AFGE and NTEU – two important organizations that work tirelessly to protect the rights of federal workers in Maryland and across the country," said Congressman Sarbanes (D-MD). "Federal employees make tremendous contributions to our country, and we must ensure that they have the benefits and support they deserve."

"Today's meeting arranged by Democratic Whip Hoyer with the National Capital Region House Delegation and the presidents of AFGE and NTEU reinforced the need in Congress to continue our push for a federal employee pay increase and do everything possible to safeguard the records of current and former federal workers in the wake of the widespread OPM data breech,"saidCongressman Connolly (D-VA).

"I'm proud to represent thousands of federal employees who make Maryland and the country safer, healthier and more innovative. I am deeply troubled by the massive security breach that took place last month, putting thousands of federal employees at risk," said Congressman Delaney (D-MD). "To protect federal workers and strengthen national security, we have to make sure that our data is secure. I thank Whip Hoyer for organizing this meeting between the National Capital Region Delegation and the leaders of AFGE and NTEU. This meeting is an important opportunity to hear about the concerns of federal employees and continue our efforts to represent them and all Americans in Congress." 

"Now more than ever Congress needs to show its commitment to improve the pay and benefits and make the workplace improvements our federal employees have earned," said Congressman Beyer (D-VA). "We cannot possibly do that without the critical support of our NTEU and AFGE advocates. I look forward to working with our unions and the national capital delegation to help federal workers dealing with the effects of wage stagnation, benefit cuts, furloughs, and a shutdown."

"AFGE appreciates the opportunity extended by Congressman Hoyer to meet with lawmakers today to discuss issues of pressing concern to federal and D.C. government employees," said American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. "Our members have grave concerns about the recently reported loss of their personal information stemming from the OPM data breaches, in addition to ongoing concerns about the state of their jobs, their wages, and their benefits. We appreciate all of the lawmakers who took time out of their busy schedules today to meet with us and hear those concerns firsthand."

"I want to thank House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer for giving us the opportunity to strategize with these key leaders on issues that are critically important to the federal employees and retirees we represent," said NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelley. "Whether it is the OPM data breach, fair pay, a secure retirement or adequate funding for the agencies where our members work, we know we cannot succeed without their leadership and we appreciate the efforts they put forth on our members' behalf."