Senate Committee Votes in Favor of Second EEOC Term for Constance Barker

On September 7, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) unanimously agreed by voice vote that Constance S. Barker should serve a second five-year term as a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Her nomination for a second term now moves to the full Senate for approval.

Barker, who was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2008, is one of two Republican members serving on the five-member Commission. Since graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1977, Barker has worked in both the public and private sectors. Her positions have included Alabama state prosecutor, part-time municipal judge, general counsel for a school system, and law firm shareholder.

President Obama re-nominated Barker in May of 2011, as her term officially expired on July 1, 2011. EEOC members, however, are permitted to continue serving on the Commission until a replacement is seated or the congressional session ends. Other members of the Commission include fellow Republican Victoria Lipnic, as well as Chair Jacqueline Berrien (D), Stuart Ishimaru (D) and Chai Feldblum (D). If confirmed, Barker’s term will expire on July 1, 2016.

Photo credit:  EEOC

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.