Kamala Harris vows to end 'unnecessary' degree requirements for federal jobs on day one

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris promised at a Janesville rally on Friday to sign an executive order on her first day in office that would remove "unnecessary" degree requirements for federal jobs.

"The press is always asking me, ‘What are you going to do on day one?’” Harris said to enthusiastic cheers. “One of the things I'm doing on day one — because I can do it by executive order — is to eliminate unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs. And then I will challenge the private sector to do the same."


Addressing a crowd at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union hall, Harris emphasised that the proposal was a crucial step toward expanding access to federal employment.

This commitment marks the first specific, day-one promise from Harris, who previously said that she intended to reexamine degree requirements but had not clarified the timeline. The proposal, which Harris can achieve unilaterally without congressional approval.

Harris's union hall pledge builds on a trend that began under the Biden administration, which also took steps to encourage skills-based hiring. President Joe Biden, under whom Harris currently serves as vice president, signed a record 17 executive orders on his first day in office in 2021.

After the Janesville rally, Harris continued her Wisconsin tour, with stops in Appleton to meet educators at a local school, followed by a major rally in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee event, expected to draw a large crowd, includes performances by artists like GloRilla, Flo Milli, MC Lyte, and DJ GEMINI GILLY, along with a guest appearance by Cardi B.