Washington, D.C. - In an historic event, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) hosted a governmentwide ceremony to launch a Constitution Initiative at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C. NARA served as a co-sponsor of the event.

The Constitution Initiative, enacted through the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Act, requires each department and agency head to provide education and training materials about the U.S. Constitution for new federal employees during their orientation. Additionally, all Federal employees will receive training each year thereafter on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.

OPM Director Linda M. Springer said, "The foundation of the civil service is based on the U.S. Constitution. Implementing this legislation will strengthen its effectiveness and that of all federal employees."

Notable guests including Allen Weinstein, the Archivist of the United States; the Honorable William K. Kelley, White House Deputy Counsel; and Senator Robert C. Byrd joined Director Springer in the commemorating the event. Department and agency heads, chief human capital officers and other key federal leaders charged with implementing the Constitution Initiative were also in attendance. There was a ceremonial Oath of Office taken by federal employees in attendance administered by White House Deputy Counsel William K. Kelley.

As part of the initiative, OPM has developed Constitution education and training materials for all Executive branch agencies that will include information regarding the Constitution and the Oath of Office. Concurrent with this initiative, OPM will encourage agencies to reaffirm the federal Oath of Office with their staff to emphasize the high standards of civil service and principles of the Constitution that employees are sworn to serve.