Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Files Legislation to Protect Older American Job Applicants from Age Discrimination

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) filed the Protect Older Job Applicants Act, which will codify and clarify protections for older job applicants in the current Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Additionally, it will prohibit employers from asking for a job applicant's age or date of birth before the completion and submission of a job application.

Statement from Congresswoman Garcia:

"Ageism is still very much present in our society. Unfortunately, this negatively affects older Americans who are seeking to return to the workforce or transition into new careers" said Congresswoman Garcia.

Congresswoman Garcia cited a 2020 AARP report that revealed 76% of older American workers see age discrimination as a barrier to attaining a job, as inspiration for filing this piece of legislation.

"It's important we, as a society, acknowledge that we still have a long way to go to correct this often-implicit bias and give everyone a fair and equal opportunity when applying for a job. This bill seeks to do that," concluded Congresswoman Garcia.

In addition to Congresswoman Garcia, Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) are original cosponsors on the legislation. The Protect Older Job Applicant Act has been endorsed by the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA), Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders ("SAGE"), and the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC).

Click here for the full bill text.

Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.