Mikulski, Cardin, Edwards, Hoyer, Van Hollen, Cummings Criticize Treasury Department, Gsa Decision to Move 450 Jobs out of Prince George’s County

August 29, 2012

Washington– U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin along with Representatives Donna F. Edwards, Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen and Elijah E. Cummings (all D-Md.) today criticized the Treasury Department and General Service Administration's decision to move 450 jobs out of Prince George's County. The 450 positions are part of the Federal Management Services (FMS) facility in Hyattsville, Maryland. The positions will be moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia beginning in November 2013 as part of FMS' consolidation with the Bureau of Public Debt (BPD).

"The Treasury Department's decision to move hundreds of jobs out of Hyattsville is a loss of jobs for the community, a loss of livelihood for the workers, and a terrible loss for taxpayers nationwide. Maryland's hardworking, duty driven civil servants have the training, expertise and institutional knowledge that can't be reproduced anywhere else," Senator Barbara Mikulski said.  "The men and women at the Hyattsville FMS facility have dedicated their careers to good government and public service. They deserve a government that is on their side, not hanging them out to dry, and I will continue to fight for them."

"I strongly disagree with the Department of Treasury's decision to move Financial Management Services (FMS) employees out its Hyattsville facility to West Virginia," said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.  "The close proximity of Prince George's County to the nation's capital ensures a well-trained, dedicated workforce, and I do not think this move is in the best interest of our nation.  In fact, I think it makes sense to locate more federal facilities in Prince George's County, not in other states.  I am deeply concerned by this proposed consolidation and I will work to ensure that our federal workers are treated fairly." 

"I am disappointed deeply by the Treasury Department's decision to move 450 jobs out of Prince George's County," said Congresswoman Edwards. "Our county can ill-afford to be losing jobs at a time when the General Services Administration (GSA) should be working to bring jobs to the area, especially around our metro stations that are ready for this type of federal development.  I expect that these workers losing their jobs will be compensated and provided opportunities to find new employment, and those remaining in Hyattsville guaranteed job security. I will continue to demand transparency and fair leasing practices on the part of the GSA to level the playing field. Prince George's County deserves the opportunity to compete fairly in the marketplace." 

 "It is unfortunate that the Treasury Department has decided to move 450 jobs to West Virginia," said Congressman Hoyer. "I'm deeply disappointed by this decision, and will be fighting to ensure all the affected federal employees' rights and benefits are protected. Locating our federal facilities in the Capital region offers many benefits to the government, and I will be looking for new opportunities to bring additional jobs to Prince George's County."

"I am concerned by the proposed relocation of Treasury positions from Hyattsville to West Virginia. We must locate our federal facilities in areas that provide value to taxpayers, which includes the recruitment and retention of a highly-qualified and experienced workforce," said Congressman Van Hollen. "I will work with our Congressional delegation, agency leadership, and impacted employees to ensure a transparent process that produces the best deal for taxpayers and treats our professional federal workforce fairly."

"The decision of the Treasury Department to move nearly 500 jobs out of Maryland is truly disheartening.  It is a critical loss to Prince George's County, and a difficult blow to our state's economy," Congressman Elijah E. Cummings said.  "In a time when the Administration and so many others are diligently working to create and preserve jobs, a loss of this magnitude presents a new challenge.  It is my hope that the Treasury Department and GSA will consider opportunities to return employment opportunities and much needed revenue to our area.  Such a move would underscore their commitment to the communities that have served them diligently for many years, and to the employees impacted  by their decision."