[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 120 (Thursday, July 13, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                               Diversity

  Mr. President, now, on Democratic office diversity, this morning, the 
Senate Democratic Diversity Initiative released the results of its 
annual survey of Democratic staffers, the seventh year they have done 
so in a row.
  When I became majority leader, I promised to work to increase the 
diversity of Senate offices so that they can reflect the diversity of 
the States and the communities in which we serve.
  This year's survey shows that we continue to make important progress, 
and I want to highlight a few of the results.
  For the fourth year in a row, the number of diverse staffers has 
increased, reaching the highest level since we launched our survey and 
almost certainly the highest level ever, certainly the highest level in 
our conference's history.
  Our survey also shows that more African Americans work for Senate 
Democratic offices than ever, and, in fact, that is also true for 
Latinos, Middle Eastern and North Africans, and Asian American Pacific 
Islanders. Additionally, more staffers identify as part of the LGBTQ 
community since we first asked that question starting in 2019.
  These milestones matter. Diversity matters. Our democracy can only 
thrive when all voices are heard and represented. I have seen that in 
my own office. I learn more and more from people of diverse 
backgrounds. It is a great thing, and it helps me be a better Senator 
for all the people of New York State.
  And I believe our survey matters, too, because the only way we can 
make progress is by holding ourselves accountable through transparency. 
To say we are doing it is not enough. To actually do it and have the 
statistics and numbers that show we are doing it shows the real 
progress we are making.
  Now, we have a lot of work left to do. We are not there yet. No, that 
is for sure. But I am encouraged that our caucus continues to grow more 
diverse with each passing year.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.