Senate Fails to Confirm EEOC’s Barker for New Term

The Senate failed to vote on EEOC Commissioner Constance Barker’s nomination for a third term, apparently ending her agency tenure.

Barker, a Republican, joined the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2008 and is the agency’s longest-serving commissioner. President Barack Obama in July nominated Barker for a new term ending July 1, 2021. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in September approved Barker’s nomination for Senate floor consideration.

But the Senate Dec. 10 wrapped up its business for the current Congress without confirming Barker. The Senate is meeting in pro forma sessions for ...