BOSTON – Today Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, issued the following statements after the Biden-Harris Administration announced a new Executive Order, titled “Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” as part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure just and equitable access to federal programs and services.

“Today’s executive order from the Biden Harris Administration represents essential progress in our shared effort to center racial equity and marginalized communities in the day-to-day work of the federal government,” said Rep. Pressley.  “This second executive order leverages data, systematizes community engagement and outreach, and shifts the way the federal government does its business.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to center the most marginalized and impacted communities.  This work is both urgent and essential.”

“Today’s announcement is an important next step in ensuring that racial equity is embedded in all aspects of federal policymaking.  The Administration recognizes that addressing racial inequity and removing barriers to equal opportunities that have long plagued historically underserved communities is a generational commitment.  I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to advance their efforts in ensuring a federal government that works for all Americans,” stated Ranking Member Raskin.

BACKGROUND

On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” on his first day in office, directing the Domestic Policy Council and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to work with federal agencies to identify and remove barriers to equal opportunity and programmatic benefits for people of color and other underserved groups.

Committee Democrats have long championed efforts to address racial barriers.  On October 15, 2021, then- Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney and Rep. Pressley sent a letter to Ambassador Susan Rice, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and OMB Director Shalanda Young underscoring the need for robust equitable data, assessment tools, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful implementation of  Executive Order 13985.

On April 14, 2022, Chairwoman Maloney and Rep. Pressley issued statements applauding the Biden-Harris Administration for convening all federal agencies to present their first-ever Equity Action Plans.

On December 16, 2022, Chairwoman Maloney and Rep. Pressley introduced two bills to institutionalize the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to advance racial equity in the federal government and implementation of Executive Order 13985.

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