The budget proposal just released by the White House envisions a merger of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), “creating one agency to combat employment discrimination.”
The EEOC, a stand-alone agency, polices American businesses for discrimination at work, while the OFCCP, a division within the Department of Labor (DOL), aims to ensure compliance by federal contractors with relevant laws, regulations and executive orders. The EEOC enjoys subpoena powers, can initiate lawsuits and seek monetary rewards. The OFCCP does not have these powers.
If adopted by Congress, the merger would be fully implemented by the end of Fiscal Year 2018.
According to its proponents, this integration would promote efficiency and economy, improve service to citizens and strengthen civil rights enforcement.