Biden praises the dedication of the federal workforce in a resignation letter

With days left in his term, President Joe Biden wrote a letter to federal employeesobtained by Head of governmenton Thursday thanked them for their service to the country during his administration.

“You could have chosen to do anything with your talents, but you chose public service. Every day you came to work, spent long hours at hard jobs and spent time away from your loved ones,” he said. “You gave your heart and soul to this nation. I am forever grateful to you and your families for your sacrifices and all you have done on the front lines to help realize the promise of America for all Americans.”

Biden — who in his farewell address to the nation Wednesday night touted successes like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, pandemic recovery and financial support for U.S. semiconductor jobs — reiterated those accomplishments and others in the letter, giving credit to more than 2 million federal employees.

“Together we ushered in historic progress. Ending a once-in-a-century pandemic. Rebuilding the world’s strongest economy. Revolutionizing American science and innovation. Transforming our nation’s infrastructure. Lowering prescription drug prices. Leading the world on climate change. Reducing gun violence. To provide the care and benefits our veterans and their families have earned and deserve.To keep our nation and other Americans safe and secure at home while we restore America leadership in the world and much more.

“None of this progress would have been possible without you,” he added. “And I hope you look back on the past four years with pride in your service and in upholding our core values ​​of honesty, decency and integrity.”

The letter serves as the final salute to a workforce that Biden helped strengthen during his four years in the White House, following a win of federal civilian personnel in the first Trump term.

Since taking office in 2021, Biden has increased the federal full-time, non-seasonal workforce by nearly 6%, and strengthened the State, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs and other departments, along with agencies such as the US Agency for International Development and Environmental Protection Agency.

He also presided over the largest pay increase for the federal workforce in more than 40 years when he approved a 5.2% pay increase in fiscal year 2024 and helped return a quorum to the Merit Systems Protection Board that nearly eliminated a five-year backlog of litigation as a result.

Biden’s letter comes as the incoming Trump administration and its advisory Government Efficiency Commission have signaled their intention to develop a leaner federal government that could include fewer civilian employees and select nominees who have appeared critical of the role federal employees play.

The outgoing president concluded his letter praising the service rendered by the federal workforce.

“I have long believed that America at its best is a beacon of light to the world. That simple truth is reflected in each of you. You represent the best of who we are as Americans.”