Press Releases

Kennedy Pledges To Defend WNY Federal Workforce From Wrongful Firings

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to defend federal workers in Western New York and across the country, condemning President Trump and Elon Musk for their attempt to cut federal workers and decimate services hardworking families rely on. 

Congressman Kennedy outlined President Trump and Elon Musk’s plan to profit at the expense of the American people, federal workers and the services taxpayers need and deserve, saying, “Hardworking families in my district and people across the country are beginning to see this initiative for what it really is: a sham perpetuated by President Trump and run by an unelected billionaire, the richest person in the world, who has no idea how our government operates or what our public servants do for our communities. Trump and Musk’s goal is to undermine people’s faith in public services, gain access to sensitive government data, and, ultimately, give away trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the rich.”

Kennedy shared the story of Jeff Plummer, a constituent and IRS employee wrongfully fired in the middle of tax season, saying, “A young man named Jeff Plummer – who has allowed me to tell his story – spoke to me hours before being wrongfully fired from the Internal Revenue Service. Jeff received exemplary reviews of his work within the IRS Small Business/Self-Employed Division – which helps small businesses to comply with tax requirements helping our regional economy to thrive. Due to the simple fact that he had worked for the IRS for less than a year, he was terminated. He is among 6,000 IRS employees that DOGE has wrongfully fired – all in the middle of tax season.” 

Kennedy also shared a story of a veteran who served our nation in the military for nearly 20 years, demonstrating how these cuts fail those who have sacrificed for our freedoms, saying, “I spoke with one disabled veteran – who asked to remain anonymous – who honorably served our nation in uniform and continued to serve as a federal employee for nearly two decades. He received a title change in the last year, which automatically put him on probationary status. He was fired last week – with absolutely no justification. These veterans feel demeaned and betrayed. It is unthinkable and shameful to treat our military heroes this way. It violates the sacred honor we have to take care of our veterans and provide the services and benefits they have earned and deserve.” 

Kennedy also criticized Trump and Musk for slashing critical federal jobs amid national crises. He highlighted cuts to the FDA and USDA, which are endangering food safety as bird flu ravages farms, and the FAA, just weeks after the first U.S. commercial airline crash in 16 years.

Finally, Kennedy pledged to stand with union leaders and federal employees in fighting back against these attacks, calling on his colleagues—Democrats and Republicans alike—to defend the dedicated public servants who keep America running. 

Federal workers who have been impacted are encouraged to share their stories at Kennedy.House.gov. 

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