1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a proud federal employee with over 18 years of service, committed to the care of our nation’s Veterans. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the American people, answering a call to public service that prioritizes mission over monetary reward. Like many of my colleagues, I willingly accepted compensation well below what I could earn in the private sector, not for personal gain, but out of a profound sense of duty and pride. As Congress deliberates the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, I urge you to protect the federal workforce. The relentless targeting of federal employees as a means to “save money” is a misguided approach that fails to address the real drivers of government inefficiencies. Instead, it risks permanently damaging the very foundation of our nation’s public service. Continued cuts, hiring freezes, pay erosion, and attacks on retirement benefits send a clear and dangerous message: that public servants are expendable. This will not only accelerate the departure of seasoned employees but will severely undermine the government’s ability to recruit and retain the next generation of high-quality, dedicated workers. The loss of experienced federal employees will have devastating ripple effects, diminishing the critical services that Americans depend on every day — from caring for Veterans to protecting national security to ensuring public health and safety. America’s strength depends on a strong and capable federal workforce. I respectfully ask that you stand up for federal employees during the FY26 budget process. Protect our pay, our retirement, and our ability to continue serving the American people with the dedication and excellence they deserve. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter and for your service to our country.