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Washington, D.C.—With recent and serious incidents of violence directed at federal workers fresh in the public eye, the head of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) said today she is pleased a key House subcommittee is planning a hearing on the safety and security of federal workplaces.

NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley testify on this issue at the hearing next Tuesday of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce. That subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.); the hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m., March 16, in Room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

“I appreciate the subcommittee’s prompt review of this vitally-important subject, and I thank Chairman Lynch for his continuing interest in issues impacting federal employees and their workplaces,” Kelley said.

“In recent weeks federal employees have seen violent acts in Austin, Texas, and at the doorway of the Pentagon. A federal employee was killed and too many others were injured,” Kelley added. “These events have left workers across the country extremely concerned.”

“There is a pressing need to evaluate federal and postal office security and protocols,” said Chairman Lynch.

“However and wherever these dangers exists,” President Kelley said, “we have to address the ongoing need to provide for the security of those who are performing the business of the American people.”

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.