Diversity Thursday

laws matter

It really has been an amazing few years where Congress slowly…slowly…started clawing ourselves back towards a nation that is working towards unity and away from division. To judging people as individuals and by merit, as opposed to immutable characteristics no one can do anything about and sectarianism that only benefits those who derive power and profit from conflict.

Though I have a much longer wish-list of what I would like to see come out of Congress, with such a small majority, there is only so much (R) can do. We got here step by step, so we will have to get out the same way.

I’m a patient man, and I will take the “Ws” where I can. And yes, I know things still have to get through the Senate and conference - and some or all of them might be left behind, but that is OK. We can try again.

Let’s look at H.R. 8070 - Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, from a DivThu perspective.

Make sure and thank your Representatives you see here - and give a nod to their staff who make it all possible.

Progress. Always celebrate progress…and then get back to work.

• 41. Banks (IN) #188 Establishes a permanent hiring freeze for diversity, equity, and inclusion jobs in the Department.

• 42. Norman (SC), Tenney (NY), Crane (AZ) #476 Eliminates any offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Armed Forces and Department of Defense along with the personnel in said offices.

• 43. Higgins (LA), Roy (TX), Duncan (SC), Tenney (NY), Baird (IN) #742 Eliminates the position of Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense and prohibits the establishment of any substantially similar position.

• 47. Luna (FL), Banks (IN) #1321 (LATE) Prohibits the promotion of critical race theory and associated race-based theories.

• 50. Waltz (FL) #974 Edits the provision signed into law in the (10 FY24 NDAA, reverting it back to the House-passed language to create sexneutral physical fitness standards for combat MOS'; adds 2 additional combat MOSs.

• 298. Mills (FL) #1200 (LATE) Directs Secretary of Defense to submit a report regarding the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion to include an overview of the appointment process, how the Department ensures views are "fairly balanced," and other items.

If I missed any good bits in the bill, please let me know.

Yes, again, I know it is a short list and there are other things that need to be done, but we can cover that later. Until then, let’s take a moment to recognize that not too long ago, none of this would be here.