Hoyer Attends St. Mary's County Chapter 969 NARFE Luncheon
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) attended a luncheon hosted by the St. Mary's County Chapter 969 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. At the event, Congressman Hoyer delivered brief remarks and presided over the installation of officers.
"I thank NARFE Chapter 969 for providing me with the opportunity to speak with the active and retired federal employees of St. Mary's County," stated Congressman Hoyer. "I feel privileged to represent over 62,000 federal employees from the Fifth District, who enhance the security and well-being of our nation with their talents, devotion to country, and unwavering commitment to service. Unfortunately, the last few years have seen current and former federal employees regularly targeted in Congress. To date, federal employees have contributed $114 billion toward deficit reduction through freezes to cost-of-living-adjustments and changes to retirement benefits. Yet, some Members of Congress continue to demand more, seeking to cut benefits and impose higher employee contributions for existing benefits for the sake of deficit reduction. These cuts come on top of furloughs that many federal employees are experiencing as a result of the sequester."
"Here in St. Mary's and around the country, federal employees are working hard to help us overcome our greatest national challenges," continued Congressman Hoyer. "That's why Congress ought to be doing more to recognize the value of our federal employees, including by replacing the sequester to stop senseless furloughs. I will continue to push to replace the sequester, and continue my efforts to improve pay comparability with the private sector and defend hard-earned retirement benefits. I thank NARFE for all they have done and continue to do for our country, and for the honor of joining them and swearing-in their leadership today."
Following Congressman Hoyer's remarks, he swore in President Joseph Luskus, First Vice President for Membership Judy Loflin, Second Vice President Geneva Leon, Recording Secretary Sandra Simmons, Corresponding Secretary Alice Thompson, and Treasurer Joel Ekhaus.