Rep. Alex Mooney Introduces Legislation to Abolish House Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) has introduced legislation to abolish the Office of Diversity and Inclusion of the House of Representatives, sparking controversy and debate among lawmakers. The bill, which has no Democratic co-sponsors, aims to eliminate the office that was created by the 116th Congress to promote diversity and inclusion within the House.
Mooney’s decision to introduce this legislation comes on the heels of the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices at the Pentagon. In a statement, Mooney criticized DEI efforts as “the latest woke liberal method of injecting cultural Marxism into the workplace,” and argued that the House of Representatives does not need bureaucrats promoting what he views as a divisive ideology.
While Mooney’s bill has garnered initial support from several Republican co-sponsors, including Reps. Troy Nehls, Claudia Tenney, and Lauren Boebert, it is unlikely to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The bill has also faced criticism from the Congressional Black Caucus, who argue that recent gaffes and missteps by Republicans highlight the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in government institutions.
The House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which currently consists of 12 employees, emphasized in a statement that it is a nonpartisan and nonlegislative office committed to advancing a representative and qualified workforce. The office’s director, Sesha Joi Moon, stated that they will comply with any forthcoming legislation and directives from leadership regarding the future of the office.
As the debate over the fate of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion continues, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are grappling with questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in government institutions. The outcome of Mooney’s bill remains uncertain, but it has reignited discussions about the role of DEI efforts in shaping the workforce and culture of the House of Representatives.
