To the 44,000 federal workers and thousands of contractors in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, and to workers across the state, I want you to know that I see you. I hear you. And I am with you. Whether you are a park ranger serving our beautiful natural lands, a nurse caring for our veterans or a scientist working to prevent the next pandemic, I value your contributions and your service to our country. At a time when you may not be hearing that message from this administration, I want you to know that your service is valued.

This week, I was joined by a few of the young people who were arbitrarily fired by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to introduce my first bill in Congress: the bipartisan Protect Our Probationary Employees Act. This commonsense legislation would ensure that if a probationary employee is reinstated, they would not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people.

I stood with Daniel, a new father who was fired just one day before his probationary period would have ended. I stood with Ashley and Maddie, park rangers who were probationary due to the seasonal nature of their work despite years of service. I stood with Anthony, a marine biologist who had just started his career at the Chesapeake Bay Office in Annapolis.

These workers were not given two weeks notice. They were not given severance. They were shut off from their work — and from their livelihoods — as they have mortgages, children and parents to take care of. Madelyn, a young woman from Ellicott City, joined us as she was recovering from a surgery she had to move up to undergo while she still had health insurance. These are patriots who were tossed to the curb and told not to let the door hit them on the way out.

I strongly believe that DOGE and the Trump administration’s actions are illegal. Many of these actions are being challenged in the courts — and federal workers are winning. Even as House Democrats are in the minority, I will be using every tool at my disposal to protect our civil servants. My team and I have also put together a resource guide for affected federal employees and other communities that you can access on my website.

I know the fear and confusion that is weighing on the shoulders of federal employees right now. I’ve heard from too many people who have lost a job they loved — a job they worked hard for — and are now left picking up the pieces. I’ve heard from many more who go to bed wondering if they will still have a job in the morning.

My office is meant to be here for you on your hardest days. If we can be of assistance or if you would like to share your story, you can always speak to a member of my team at 410-832-8890.

Finally, I will leave you with the words that help me on my hardest days. The magic of public service is that your work will touch the lives of people you will never meet. Your work will help people for decades to come. Your work will live long after this administration.

Our country owes you and your families a debt of gratitude for all that you do. Thank you for your service.

Sarah Elfreth is a Democrat representing Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.