Political Quotes

“I introduced H.R. 3774, the Senior Executive Diversity Assurance Act, on October 9, 2007. The bill was considered by the Federal Workforce Subcommittee on April 15, 2008, and by the full Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on May 1, 2008, when it was approved with amendment by voice vote. Mr. Speaker, I want wanted to thank Senator Akaka for introducing a companion bill in the Senate, S. 2148, and for co-chairing an April 3, 2008, joint hearing where both the House and the Senate Federal Workforce Subcommittees examined the need for legislation to improve diversity at the highest levels of the Federal Government. According to data from the Office of Personnel Management, the percentage of minorities and women at senior pay levels in the Federal Government, including the SES, is lower than in the civilian workforce and the Federal workforce as a whole. According to GAO, the number of African American men in the SES actually decreased between the years of 2000 and 2007. I believe that H.R. 3774 takes an important step towards improving the diversity of the Senior Executive Service. This bill is a long time coming.”