WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Secretary Andrew Cuomo plans to eliminate 22 of its Oklahoma City employees -- including the jobs of 21 individuals who are survivors of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing -- according to Sixth District Congressman Frank Lucas. Amid that report, Lucas called on President Clinton to nullify HUD's decision and protect the jobs of those valuable federal workers from HUD's "bureaucratic shuffle."

"These twenty-two individuals are part of an award-winning office, and are among the most valuable and efficient workers HUD has nationally, according to HUD's own evaluations," Lucas said. "These are good citizens of the Oklahoma City area, with families, who have been through the most hellish nightmare any federal employee could imagine.

"Prior to April 19, 1995, no one could have imagined being attacked by a terrorist in their offices -- or that anyone would or could survive an attack such as the one which Timothy McVeigh has been convicted.

"Now, some anonymous bureaucrat in Washington, D.C., with the support of Secretary Cuomo, has decided that these good people should lose their jobs just as they work their way down the road to recovery," Lucas continued.

"This action is inconsistent with the President's stated policy toward bombing victims and survivors. In the days following the bombing, and again as recently as last Wednesday, President Clinton pledged to "stand with them (bombing victims) for as many tomorrows as it takes" to see them through their recovery from the tragedy.

"I am bringing this important matter to the President's attention, and am confident he will pull Mr. Cuomo in line with Administration policy toward bombing victims," Lucas continued.

"My office has a strong working relationship with other Executive Branch agencies, who diligently work to address the ongoing needs of the OKC Federal workforce. Other administration officials we have discussed this matter with are expressing shock at this decision.

"I would strongly urge Secretary Cuomo to join the team," he added.

"I hope President Clinton will choose to stand behind his words, stand up for these good Oklahoma Cityans and block the senseless decision of his Housing Department," Lucas concluded. "It is the very least he can do for these people."