On the recordSeptember 28, 2022
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the support and comments both from Ranking Member Comer and Chairwoman Maloney. I appreciate that a great deal. The concept of this bill is quite simple. It allows us to hire applicants for Federal positions based on whether or not they have the skills for the job. It is really that simple. Too frequently, the hiring process is based on whether or not someone has a degree whether or not that degree has anything to do with the specific position or not. Currently, hiring managers also have to rely on self-assessments that are filled out by applicants to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Not surprisingly, those assessments also are likely not to work. This Chance to Compete Act simply allows agencies to develop appropriate skills that are based on examinations so that the applicants show what they can do. Federal supervisors have said for a long time that their top concern is getting a pool of quality candidates to do the job, and this bill addresses that problem head-on. It will facilitate agencies sharing information about candidates who have passed assessments, which will make the hiring process more efficient across the government, saving both time and money. It also creates teams of subject matter experts to help agencies create assessments that are geared for the job.…





