Overhead view of Sacramento

MATSUI, TASK FORCE ON AGING & FAMILIES APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF THE PROTECT OLDER JOB APPLICANTS ACT

November 5, 2021
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DCFollowing yesterday's passage of H.R. 3992 The Protect Older Job Applicants Act of 2021, the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging andamp; Families (TFAF) leadership released the following statement.

"In America, if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to age with dignity and respect. A disproportionate number of older Americans, however, have been denied that essential right, simply because of age-related discrimination in the hiring process. Americans are living longer and working more effectively than ever, and no one's employment or livelihood should be affected by their age.

"As America recovers from this once-in-a-century pandemic, it is more important than ever that all who are willing and able to work have a fair chance to do so. The House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families applauds the House passage of The Protect Older Jobs Applicants Act because in the United States, everyone deserves an equal opportunity to employment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and disability. With nearly 78% of older workers saying they have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, this legislation levels the playing field in the hiring process to include them, expanding the ability for millions to bring their expertise to the workforce and achieve the American dream."

H.R. 3992 The Protect Older Job Applicants Act will:

  • Clarify that older "applicants for employment" are also protected from age discrimination under the ADEA's disparate impact provision.
  • Restore protections for older job applicants in the 7th and 11th Circuits by reversing Villarreal and Kleber, as well as prevent other circuits from adopting similar interpretations of the ADEA.
  • Align ADEA protections for job applicants with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Task Force is led by Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-08) and Conor Lamb (PA-17) along with Vice Chairs Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Ted Deutch (FL-22).

For more on The Protect Older Job Applicants Act, click here.