Hiring overhaul bill passes the Senate
Legislation would codify many of the reforms outlined in President Obama’s May 11 memorandum.
Despite the recent release of a presidential memorandum on hiring reform, the Senate moved forward Tuesday with its own effort, passing the 2010 Federal Hiring Process Improvement Act.
The legislation (S. 736), sponsored by Sens. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, would codify many of the provisions of the memorandum, including the elimination of knowledge, skills and abilities essays on federal job applications in favor of resumes and cover letters.
The bill, which passed under unanimous consent in the Senate and now will head to the House, would require agencies to eliminate jargon in hiring announcements, develop workforce plans and track progress implementing reforms. It also directs the Office of Personnel Management to create a database of applicants who want to be considered for positions at multiple agencies.
During the unveiling of the president's memo, OPM Director John Berry said he supported legislation, particularly because only Congress could authorize cross-agency hiring databases.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is holding a hearing Wednesday afternoon on hiring reform. Click here to watch the live webcast.