GPO employees brave snow, high winds to print economic report
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Even after the federal government closed, more than 200 GPO employees traveled from distances as far as Baltimore and Richmond to produce "The Economic Report of the President."
Record snowfall this week didn’t stop employees at the U.S. Government Printing Office from braving the elements to print important materials for the White House and Congress.
The one-two snowstom punch of the past weekend and mid-week forced the Postal Service to suspend mail delivery and federal offices in the Washington, D.C., metro area to close.
However, even after the federal government closed, more than 200 GPO employees, including plant workers, police officers and facility crews, traveled from distances as far as Baltimore and Richmond to produce "The Economic Report of the President," GPO officials said.
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The work was necessary to ensure that the job for President Barack Obama was completed on time. GPO employees also produced and delivered the Congressional Record and the Federal Register.
"Our employees are among the most dedicated workforce one could find," said Public Printer Bob Tapella. "I am extremely proud of the effort GPO put in during these snowstorms to meet the deadlines of Congress and The White House."
"The Economic Report of the President" is an annual report written by the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. It is an overview of the nation’s economic progress, which uses text and extensive data appendices.
GPO employees printed and bound more than 9,000 copies for today’s release. It's available in both printed and electronic form. Printed copies can be found in GPO's Bookstore. The authentic, electronic version is available on GPO's Federal Digital System.
GPO employees are at work today even though the federal government is closed for the fourth day this week, a GPO spokesman said. The Senate will be in session this afternoon and the GPO employees are working to support that effort, the spokesman said.
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