The Remarkable Work of Federal Employees
Across the Government

Every day, federal employees are tackling the nation’s most complex problems. From safeguarding the public’s health to collecting revenue that runs the government to defending the nation’s borders, federal workers perform many critical tasks that Americans value and need. NTEU recognizes the valuable contributions of each and every federal employee. Read about the remarkable work of federal employees at each NTEU-represented agency and department:

Administration for Children and Families

ACF employees administer programs aimed at promoting the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities. ACF programs cover adoption, child welfare and development, citizens with disabilities, domestic violence victims and low-income job assistance.

One well-known program administered by the ACF is Head Start, the early childhood education program for children from birth to age 5. In fiscal 2012, Head Start enrolled more than 950,000 children across the country. Learn about help for communities.

Administration for Community Living

Americans with disabilities and older adults deserve to be able to maintain their health and independence and fully participate in all aspects of society. ACL brings together the efforts of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports. ACL employees help to fund, develop and coordinate home and community-based programs that serve millions of older persons well into their later years. ACL programs operate at the state and local level and include home-delivered meal programs, nutrition services, transportation, adult day care, legal assistance and health promotion projects and more. Learn about programs.

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

The TTB is a small agency with a big job—to collect taxes on alcohol, tobacco and firearm sales. TTB employees also enforce federal rules on the production, labeling, marketing and advertising of alcohol products. With some 500 employees nationwide, TTB is one of the government’s smallest agencies, but it is the third-largest tax collection agency in the federal government, collecting nearly $24 billion in annual tax revenue. Learn about TTB-regulated industries.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The BEP is the nation’s only producer of currency notes, printing cash for the Federal Reserve Bank to distribute into public circulation. The BEP also is the country’s largest producer of official security documents, including government identification cards and U.S. passports. The skill and artistry of the BEP’s print production begins with its talented cadre of designers and engravers who work to meticulously combine images, text and other graphic elements into life-like models. Their artistry serves more than an aesthetic purpose; it enhances various federal anti-counterfeiting measures. Contrary to popular belief, the BEP does not make coins. All U.S. coinage is produced by the U.S Mint. Explore how currency is made.

Bureau of the Fiscal Service

By combining Bureau of the Public Debt (BPD) and Financial Management Service (FMS), the Bureau of the Fiscal Service transforms the way the federal government manages its financial services.

The BPD is the nuts and bolts of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, keeping track of America’s public debt down to the very last cent. BPD also sells U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds. Tens of millions of Americans own savings bonds, and BPD guarantees that these bonds will be replaced if lost or stolen.

The mission of the FMS is to provide central payment services to federal program agencies, operate the federal government's collections and deposit systems, provide government-wide accounting services, and manage the collection of delinquent debt. It does this each day with fewer than 2,000 employees. FMS employees oversee a daily cash flow of about $89 billion. Annually, FMS disburses more than a billion payments via social security and veterans' benefit payments, with an associated dollar value of more than $2.4 trillion. Learn about programs, services and rates of exchange.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission
CFTC employees make sure that commodity markets are fair, transparent and financially sound. Their work protects the public from fraud and abuse related to the buying and selling of derivatives and other financial products that are subject to the Commodity Exchange Act.  CFTC employees are among those who police the futures and swaps markets for ways to lower risks to the public and the overall economy. One of their online services allows people to check the background of financial advisers. Check the background of financial advisers.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

As the nation’s newest financial regulatory agency, the CFPB works to ensure that American consumers get the information they need to make informed financial decisions regarding products, such as credit cards and mortgages. CFPB supervises banks, credit unions, and other financial companies, and the agency enforces federal consumer financial laws. CFPB employees also analyze information about financial services providers and consumer financial markets to make appropriate recommendations to policymakers. Learn how you can submit a complaint, get answers to money questions and reach your financial goals.

Customs and Border Protection

CBP employees are the frontline guardians of the nation’s ports of entry. They safeguard the borders and beyond, protecting the American public against terrorists, human and drug smuggling, illegal immigration, contaminated food and dangerous insects. Every day, CBP processes nearly one million passengers and pedestrians at 329 ports of entry across the country. On a typical day, CBP employees seize 11,660 pounds of narcotics and discover 476 agricultural pests. Learn more about CBP.

Department of Energy

At the DOE, employees work to provide clean, reliable, safe and affordable energy through innovations in energy research and technology. DOE’s mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and

technology solutions. DOE-funded research and education play a key role in strengthening the nation’s scientific knowledge base and in preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers. The DOE is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States—providing nearly 50 percent of total funding. Learn more about science, innovation and STEM education resources.

Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA’s critical role is making sure that the air and water are clean and safe. The EPA also has responsibilities among the most serious and far-ranging in government from dealing with acid rain to mold; from a bed bug infestation to hazardous waste problems, to endangered species issues and much more. EPA employees also inform the public regarding the proper usage of certain materials, such as generators, which can emit toxic air pollutants, and de-icing chemicals, which can contaminate drinking water supplies. Learn about a range of environmental topics, such as air and water quality and environmental information by location.

Farm Service Agency

The competitive security and stability of the American agricultural industry rests in the hands of the FSA. Through its vast network of federal, state and local offices, the FSA administers dozens of credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs for farmers and ranchers nationwide. Over the years, the FSA has formed several inter-agency program partnerships across government, including with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service. FSA employees also coordinate loans to rural youth to help them establish modest income-producing projects in connection with local 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America, and similar organizations. Get fact sheets on everything from bees and pollinators to loans and conservation.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
The work of the FDIC promotes safe and sound banking practices and helps build confidence in the U.S. financial system. Employees at the FDIC protect Americans’ money by insuring all bank deposits—checking and savings, certificates of deposit, money market accounts and more. Currently, the FDIC insures approximately $9 trillion in deposits in more than 4,500 banks nationwide. The FDIC was created in 1933 in response to the thousands of bank failures that occurred in the Great Depression. Since the FDIC’s founding, no depositor has lost a single cent of insured funds as a result of a bank failure. Get consumer assistance and education on important financial issues and topics.

Federal Election Commission

In 1975, Congress created the FEC to enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act, which restricts federal election contributions and spending. Through this act, the FEC works to disclose campaign finance information and publishes reports filed by Senate, House and presidential campaigns that list how much each campaign has raised and spent. FEC also issues a list of all donors over $200, along with each donor's home address, employer and job title.  FEC employees review each report filed by federal candidates and committees to ensure that they have complied with the disclosure requirements and the limits and prohibitions on contributions. See how candidates and committees raise and spend money in federal elections.

Federal Communications Commission
The public owns the airways (radio, wire, satellite, television and cable) and the FCC regulates them on Americans’ behalf. Since 2003, the FCC has been supported almost entirely by regulatory fees assessed on regulated companies, with virtually no direct appropriations of tax dollars. The FCC also supervises the Emergency Alert System, a public safety tool used in the event of a local, state, regional or national emergency. Visit the FCC consumer help center.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration protects the public health by assuring food, vaccines, medicines and other medical products are safe for humans to use and are properly labeled. These products include bottled water and infant formulas. The FDA also inspects veterinary products to make sure they are safe and effective. Other areas of responsibility are protecting the public from electronic product radiation, making sure cosmetics and dietary supplements are safe and properly labeled, regulating tobacco products and advancing new, innovative products and to cure or treat diseases and conditions. Learn more about the FDA.

Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services

FNCS programs include supplemental and emergency food assistance, such as the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).In fiscal 2012, more than 12 million children received a school breakfast every school day in more than 89,000 schools nationwide.

National Center for Health Statistics
An integral part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NCHS issues a wide range of information and data on the health status of the U.S. population. The information is used in reports submitted to policymakers across the government.

NCHS employees also work on identifying disparities in health status and the use of health care, while monitoring trends in both health status and health care delivery.

Health Resources and Services Administration
Across the nation, more than 1,800 employees of the HRSA work to improve access to health care for vulnerable groups of Americans. Tens of millions of Americans get affordable health care and other help through HRSA programs. Americans in need of a health care facility can find a database of federally-funded health care centers that is easily searchable for a center near their homes. HRSA employees oversee organ, bone marrow and cord blood donation programs, as well as support programs designed to thwart bioterrorism, and they maintain extensive databases to help protect against medical malpractice and health care waste, fraud and abuse. Learn about HRSA program areas, such as poison help, organ donation and maternal and child health.

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS collects the money that runs the government and allows America to function, grow and prosper. The IRS is one of the world's most efficient tax administrators, collecting more than $2 trillion annually or 93 percent of all government revenue, and it does so at a lower cost than any other industrialized nation, spending only 48 cents for each $100 collected. IRS employees apply the nation’s tax laws equitably, which helps America's taxpayers meet their tax responsibilities in a fair and consistent manner.

In fiscal 2012, the IRS collected more than $2.5 trillion in revenue and processed more than 237 million tax returns. Learn about the taxpayer bill of rights.

National Credit Union Administration
NCUA employees regulate and supervise the credit union system to ensure its soundness and promote confidence in the national system of cooperative credit. The agency focuses on protecting consumer rights and member deposits in their local credit union, and also has several programs to enhance financial literacy. Learn about your money.

National Park Service
From the vast expanses of parks in the West to the historic buildings of the East Coast, the NPS teaches Americans about our common past and our shared future through a network of almost 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites. Since 1916, NPS has leveraged more than $55 billion in historic preservation investment through tax incentives and awarded more than $5 billion in preservation and outdoor recreation grants. In addition to places, NPS is also steward of objects and records important in perpetuating ethnic traditions. Such resources include everything from feathered headdresses to hand-forged farm tools to oral histories. In other areas, the Cultural Resources division within the NPS publishes a newsletter, develops curriculum material for colleges and universities, and administers an internship program. Plan your visit.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The NRC's regulatory activities are focused on ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials. This includes reactor safety oversight, license renewal of existing nuclear plants, materials safety oversight, materials licensing, and high- and low-level waste management. NRC employees are responsible for monitoring more than 100 nuclear power plants across the country. Nuclear material is used for many things besides nuclear power, including the detection and treatment of certain illnesses. Learn how the NRC protects you.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
As the regulator of all national banks and the federal branches and agencies of foreign banks, the OCC works to ensure fair and equal access to banks nationwide for all Americans. The OCC’s rules, legal interpretations and corporate decisions work together to protect the safety and soundness of the American banking system; allow consumers to feel confident that their money is secure; and foster healthy competition by allowing banks to offer new products and services. OCC bank examiners conduct on-site reviews of national banks and federal savings associations and supervise their operations. Among other tasks, employees ensure banks are complying with consumer banking laws, review audits and evaluate management's ability to identify and control risk. OCC employees also have the authority to approve or deny a bank’s application for new charters, branches, capital or certain other changes. Find answers to your questions regarding national banks and federal savings associations.

Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Within the Social Security Administration (SSA), the ODAR is responsible for holding hearings and issuing decisions as part of the SSA’s process for determining whether or not a person may receive benefits. ODAR is one of the largest administrative judicial systems in the world, issuing more than half a million hearing and appeal dispositions every year. Information about SSA's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

Patent and Trademark Office
The PTO is the protector of America’s intellectual property and plays a key role in fostering new products and inventions, leading to growth in jobs, investments, and economic expansion. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. A patent, on the other hand, is a limited duration property right relating to an invention, granted by the PTO in exchange for public disclosure of the invention. Handling applications for patents and trademarks in a timely manner is an important goal for this driven agency. In fiscal 2012, PTO received 576,763 applications for patents and more than 1.8 million applications for trademarks. Learn about intellectual property theft protections and other important topics.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Mental health issues and substance abuse are facts of life for millions of Americans. At the SAMHSA, employees work to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in American communities and ensure a stable recovery for the millions of citizens who either live with substance abuse problems or have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness. In 2012, approximately 20 million people in need of substance abuse treatment did not receive it. In addition, an estimated 10.6 million people reported an unmet need for mental health care. To inform the public on substance abuse trends, SAMHSA’s Office of Applied Studies provides up-to-date national data on alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. Learn how SAMHSA helps people access treatments and services.

Securities and Exchange Commission
One of the country’s oldest financial regulatory agencies, the SEC is charged with enforcing federal securities laws and overseeing the nation’s securities markets. The SEC was created in 1934 as the country struggled during the Great Depression that followed the market crash of 1929. SEC employees have substantial new duties under financial regulatory reform legislation enacted in 2012. As part their ongoing duties, SEC employees review a range of documents from publicly-held companies to ensure appropriate disclosure of information that could impact stock and other markets. Get an introduction to investing and investor alerts.

Department of the Treasury’s Departmental Offices
From domestic financial matters to economic policy to international financial stability, employees of Treasury’s Departmental Offices advise, assist and help formulate policies critical to the well-being of every American. Employees of the Departmental Offices provide a broad range of indispensable services to agency divisions that negotiate tax treaties with other nations; develop estimates for the president’s budget, and for fiscal policy and cash management decisions; and that are responsible for economic and legal policy analysis for domestic and international tax policy decisions.

Department of the Treasury

The Treasury Department is responsible for promoting economic prosperity and ensuring the financial security of the United States by: promoting conditions that enable economic growth and stability in the U.S. and abroad; combating threats and protecting the integrity of the financial system; and, managing the U.S. government’s finances and resources. Organized into two major components: the Departmental offices and the operating bureaus, the Department is the steward of U.S. economic and financial systems and an influential participant in the world economy. Get answers to common questions about savings bonds and securities.

Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS accomplishes its mission through several hundred programs and initiatives that cover a wide spectrum of activities, serving the American public at every stage of life. Learn about HHS' more than 100 programs across its operating divisions.