The chairs of the House and Senate federal workforce subcommittees, Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and Danny Davis, D-Ill., have re-introduced legislation to promote diversity in senior ranks.
The Senior Executive Service Diversity Assurance Act of 2009 would require federal agencies to submit plans to OPM on how they are removing barriers to minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities to obtain appointments in the SES.
It would also encourage agencies, to the extent practicable, to include minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities on the executive resource boards that review SES candidates, and re-establish the Senior Executive Service Resource Office at OPM to manage and oversee the SES and to ensure diversity through strategic partnerships and mentorship programs.
"Ensuring that diversity at this critical level of government operations will strengthen the — SES – and improve the functioning of the agencies while ensuring equal opportunity for every American," Davis said.
