Announcement Follows Calls by Pressley, Maloney for Robust Data Collection to Advance Racial Equity in Federal Policymaking

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WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined a White House event where the Administration announced key commitments across federal agencies to advance equity and racial justice. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s release of its Agency Equity Action Plans and joined national leaders for a conversation about how to build on this commitment. The announcement follows calls from Congresswoman Pressley and House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney for robust data collection, assessment tools, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the success of the initiative. 

“Racial equity is a lens that we should bring to every policy decision, at every level of government, and that starts right at the top,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I appreciate that the Administration is following through on the commitment to center equity across the federal government and heeding our calls to collect and report the data necessary to advance racial justice in federal policymaking. This whole of government initiative will help federal agencies address the disparate and systemic harm inflicted on people of color. Systems change is possible when we lean into the power and authority of the federal government and today’s announcement is historic. Our work is far from over. I stand ready to continue to work with the Administration to implement these efforts and will continue to conduct the necessary Congressional oversight and legislative advocacy to yield meaningful impact.” 

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for its extraordinary efforts to ensure racial equity is at the forefront of federal policymaking.  We have seen the impact that systemic racism has on Black Americans’ and other minorities’ access to basic needs such as housing, employment, and health care,” said Chairwoman Maloney.  “These Equity Plans provide a roadmap for the federal government to begin addressing the systemic barriers in policy that prevent underserved communities from achieving the prosperity and dignity that many of us take for granted.  Last year, I urged the Administration to ensure federal agencies have the data they need to identify these barriers and ensure the success of this executive order, including the findings of the White House Interagency Working Group on Equitable Data.  I look forward to continuing to work with this Administration to advance a robust racial equity agenda so that the federal government works for everyone.” 

In October, Rep. Pressley and Chairwoman Maloney sent a letter to Ambassador Susan Rice, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB)and the since-confirmed Director Shalanda Young applauding the Biden Administration for implementing Executive Order 13985, entitled “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government,” and underscoring the need for robust data, assessment tools, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the success of this endeavor. 

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