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Washington, D.C.—The nation’s largest independent union of federal employees has endorsed the re-election bid of U.S. Rep. Connie Morella, an eight-term Maryland Republican who represents a district in suburban Washington that is home to thousands of federal workers.

In a letter to Rep. Morella, President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) cited the congresswoman’s “strong record of support for federal employees” as the basis for the endorsement.

“In addition to your consistent support for the largest possible federal employee pay raise every year,” Kelley wrote to Morella, “you have been instrumental in not only bringing federal employee concerns to Congress’ attention, but ensuring that action is taken to address them.”

In particular, President Kelley pointed to Rep. Morella’s efforts in 2001 to secure passage of “landmark legislation” that permitted federal agencies to use their funds to help lower income federal employees with child care expenses. This legislation, Kelley said, “encouraged both a more family-friendly work environment, and higher employee productivity.”

In addition, the union leader said NTEU applauds Morella for her work that led to passage of long term care insurance for federal employees and retirees, and called the congresswoman “a champion” in making sure

that benefits available under the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) remain on a par with private sector benefits.

The NTEU president also thanked Rep. Morella for her leadership in authoring an amendment to House legislation that would have protected the rights of federal employees to remain in their unions and collectively bargain in a new Department of Homeland Security.

“NTEU is grateful to you for your recognition of the important work federal employees perform every day, and is proud to endorse you for re-election to the House of Representatives in November,” President Kelley wrote.

As the largest independent federal union, NTEU represents more than 150,000 employees in 26 agencies and departments.