Whereas Federal agencies are tasked with the fundamental responsibility of serving to protect, promote, and preserve the rights and interests of the people of the United States; Whereas the activities of the Federal Government encompass a broad range of activities, including— (1) conducting and supporting military operations; (2) protecting the homeland, including transportation, communications, financial, and other systems; (3) preserving and enhancing public health; (4) supporting the least fortunate; (5) defending the rights and interests of individuals and consumers; (6) enhancing and preserving the environment of the United States; and (7) promoting and facilitating commerce; Whereas, to achieve these objectives, many Federal agencies conduct operations 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year; Whereas, according to the Office of Personnel Management, the Federal Government directly employs approximately 2,100,000 individuals to carry out the functions of the Federal Government; Whereas, in the past 50 years, the population of the United States increased from approximately 198,000,000 individuals to more than 321,400,000 individuals, while the Federal workforce actually decreased from approximately 2,200,000 employees to approximately 2,100,000 employees; Whereas the Federal Government functions most effectively, and the interest of the public is served, when the Federal Government offers fair compensation, including pay, health, retirement, and other benefits, to attract and retain qualified, diverse, and dedicated Federal employees; Whereas, to ensure the integrity of the Federal civil service, it is essential that Federal employees have access to constitutionally protected due process rights and the ability to bargain collectively; Whereas full- or part-time Federal employees should primarily be responsible for the activities and functions of the Federal Government