“This is a place where who you know does, at times, affect how you are able to access employment,” Ms. Hendrix said. The implications of having a diverse staff are significant. Top aides have the ear of members. Crucial to establishing a pipeline of diversity, they are also responsible for hiring decisions. Top aides often go on to jobs in the executive branch or run for Congress themselves.

Source: New York Times March 15, 2019 16:20 UTC