On this final week of the 2015 Combined Federal Campaign, I want to thank Federal employees all across the government for their generous contributions and campaign pledges, and urge those who have not yet contributed to please consider making a donation.

Every day, Federal workers across this great country serve the American people in so many ways. They guard our borders, respond to natural disasters, protect our civil rights, and deliver benefits to citizens of all ages- from children to retirees.

With the closing of this year’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued preliminary numbers for transactions processed. As expected, they indicate that more transactions were made this year than during any other previous year.

This is the time of year when winter weather can make for a difficult commute, so Federal employees and the public in the Washington, D.C. area look to OPM’s website, mobile app , and social media platforms to check whether we’ve made a change in the operating status.

In his December 2014 address to Federal Senior Executives, President Obama said, “We need the best and brightest of the coming generations to serve. Those of us who believe government can and must be a force for good…we’ve got to work hard to make sure that government works.” Today, the President took executive action to attract, develop and retain the best talent needed to continue moving the Government forward in the 21st Century.