The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO ENSURE FAIR ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY TO FEDERAL
JOBS FOR ALL AMERICANS
______
HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to ensure fair access and opportunity to Federal jobs for all Americans. For close to two decades now, I and many of my colleagues have been fighting to increase diversity in the federal workforce. In particular, I have focused on the international affairs and national security sector where I have called for a diversity plan from the Director of National Intelligence, as well as for the Department of State and USAID. During the 116th Congress, in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I held hearings and supported initiatives focused on equity and justice issues in the United States and abroad. And, I have not been alone in my efforts. House and Senate committees responsible for our foreign relations and national security held several hearings focused on diversity in federal agencies. Additionally, Congressionally mandated reports from the Government Accountability Office found that diversity targets set close to a decade ago were not being met at the State Department and USAID.
My colleagues and I have engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the Federal government not because they are nice or correct, but because they are what is in the best interest for the longevity of our nation. The U.S. workforce is becoming more racially, ethnically, and otherwise diverse, with estimates that, by 2050, over half of the workforce will be made up of Americans from diverse populations. Jobs across our government, whether they are in the military, intelligence, foreign service, health, or education sectors, will require that we not only hire, but also retain a more diverse federal workforce to sustain the needs of our country and remain a stable democracy.
To do so, we must have a plan. My bill calls for a government-wide diversity and inclusion plan that ensures that all branches of government are engaged in multi-year strategic planning that recruits, hires, promotes, retains, and supports leadership from America's diverse talent pool in the federal workforce for the good of our country. It also calls for a review of diversity, equity, and inclusion in government contracting and grantmaking, as both are often also pathways to government employment.
My bill therefore complements and provides an essential tool for executing the recent Executive Orders on racial equity and addressing discrimination and disparities in the workplace released by President Biden over the past two weeks.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the underpinnings of democratic societies. It is time that we enforce democratic values by ensuring all segments of our society have equal access and opportunity to contribute to a vibrant workforce that is at the heart of our democracy for the future of our nation.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 31
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up