Chairwoman Lofgren, Ranking Member Davis, and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit for the record this statement regarding the work of our Office and its mission to advance workplace rights, safety, and health in the legislative branch, and to safeguard accessibility for members of the public with disabilities. The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) also appreciates the opportunity to share with you the lessons we have learned since the implementation of the changes embodied in the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the passage of the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA), and the second full year implementing the provisions of the CAA Reform Act. I first came to work for the OCWR—then known as the Office of Compliance—as a career employee in 1999. Since that time, I have served in several capacities, including Director of the OCWR’s Administrative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program from 2011 to 2018, and now as Deputy Executive Director. Over the years, it has been a privilege to work with colleagues and stakeholders who have dedicated their careers to the principles embodied in the CAA and the CAA Reform Act, i.e., that the legislative branch should serve as a model workplace that is respectful, safe, healthy, and accessible, with equal employment opportunity and treatment for all.
