The Senior Executive Service (SES) was established by Title IV of the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1978 (P.L. 95-454, October 13, 1978) and became effective on July 13, 1979.

In keeping with Congressional tradition the words “Reform or Moderniation” in the title indicate a once simple and well reasoned limits included in the original legislation has been modified to include giant loopholes and industry friendly terms. The continuing process of “Modernization” in successive Food Safety Modernization Act bills eliminated Delaney Clause that prohibited any cancer causing agents in food or packaging as an example.