; (2) provide vital strategic support functions to the Armed Forces and serve in the National Guard and Reserves; (3) fight crime and fires; (4) ensure equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service; (5) deliver benefits under the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ), including benefits under the Medicare program under title XVIII of that Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. ); (6) fight disease and promote better health; (7) protect the environment and the parks of the United States; (8) enforce laws guaranteeing equal employment opportunity and healthy working conditions; (9) defend and secure critical infrastructure; (10) help the people of the United States recover from natural disasters, pandemics, and terrorist attacks; (11) teach and work in schools and libraries; (12) develop new technologies and explore Earth, the moon, and space to improve knowledge on how the world changes; (13) improve and secure transportation systems; (14) promote economic stability and growth; and (15) assist veterans of the Armed Forces; Whereas members of the uniformed services and civilian employees at all levels of government— (1) make significant contributions to the general welfare of the United States; and (2) are on the front lines in the fight to defeat terrorism and maintain homeland security; Whereas public servants work in a professional manner to build relationships with other countries and cultures in order to better represent the interests and promote the ideals of the United States; Whereas public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, and abuse, and to dangers to public health; Whereas the individuals serving in the uniformed services, as well as the skilled trade and craft employees of the Federal Government who provide support to their efforts— (1) are committed to doing their jobs regardless of the circumstances; and (2) contribute greatly to the security of the United States and the world