To codify Executive Order 11246 titled "Equal Employment Opportunity".

Legislative Summary: H.R. 989

119th Congress | United States

Overview

H.R. 989 is a targeted piece of legislation designed to convert a long-standing presidential directive into statutory law. The primary purpose of the bill is to codify Executive Order 11246, titled "Equal Employment Opportunity," ensuring that its mandates regarding non-discrimination in government employment and contracting are permanent and not subject to reversal by future presidential administrations.

Purpose and Intent

Executive Order 11246 was originally signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 24, 1965. It prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Because Executive Orders are issued by the President, they can be amended or revoked by any subsequent President. The intent of H.R. 989 is to provide legal permanence to these protections by transforming the order into a formal Act of Congress, thereby giving it the "full force and effect of law."

Key Provisions

The bill is concise and contains one primary mandate:
* Statutory Integration: It explicitly states that Executive Order 11246 shall be codifed into law.
* Scope of Protection: By codifying the order, the bill preserves the existing requirements for nondiscrimination within:
* Direct government employment.
* Employment by government contractors.
* Employment by government subcontractors.

Who is Affected?

If passed, this bill would solidify the legal obligations of the following groups:
* Federal Contractors and Subcontractors: Companies doing business with the U.S. government must continue to adhere to strict non-discrimination and affirmative action standards.
* Federal Employees: Ensures continued legal protections against employment discrimination.
* Job Seekers: Provides a more stable legal foundation for individuals seeking employment within the federal government or with federal contractors.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: February 5, 2025.
• Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for review.
• Sponsorship: The bill has significant initial support, with a large number of co-sponsors indicating a broad legislative push to secure these employment protections.