Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District

Issues

National Security

Protecting Washington State Civilian Defense Workers

22 June 2004

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01) offered an amendment today to a defense appropriations bill (H.R. 4613) to prevent the Department of Defense (DOD) from weakening civilian defense personnel protections. The amendment was turned down on a mostly party line vote, 202 to 218.

Said Inslee, “Today the House gave a strong message to the Department of Defense that there is significant concern in Congress about the Department’s proposal to strip basic rights from civilian defense employees. While 202 Members were brave enough to stand up for defense workers, I am extremely disappointed that most of my Republican colleagues refused to show support for the individuals who are working hard to keep our defense system functioning. Civilian workers in the Puget Sound region work diligently to maintain our safety and ensure the success of our armed forces serving in the war against terrorism. When I visited the servicemen and women on the USS Carl Vinson, they attributed their successful safety record to the incredible maintenance performed on their ship by these civilian employees.”

The DOD’s controversial changes to civilian military worker regulations, part of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), would degrade collective bargaining and other long-standing protections. Inslee’s amendment to the DOD appropriations bill for FY2005 would have targeted the most disconcerting personnel reforms by protecting collective bargaining, rights of appeal, and due process for civilian defense employees.