The Biden administration is pushing back against a new provision in the annual defense spending bill, which seeks to mandate military promotions based exclusively on merit, disregarding considerations of race or gender.
On July 10, the White House issued a statement in response to the proposed National Defense Authorization Act, outlining several provisions that the administration opposes.
These provisions range from the possible establishment of a Space Force National Guard to attempts to reverse certain Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies implemented by President Biden at the start of his presidency.
So we don’t need the best in military leadership we just need them diverse?
Our enemies are laughing.Biden Admin Opposes Merit-Based Military Promotions, Wants Provisions For Race And Gender
https://t.co/w6fGTtfygG— In the Name of Jesus (@Sheltieman3) July 12, 2023
Among the comprehensive proposal, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has formally opposed the provision in question, which is one of eight measures. The provision, if enacted, would essentially dismantle numerous DEI initiatives.
The proposal reads, “A candidate shall be evaluated on the bases of qualifications, performance, integrity, fitness, training and conduct. No determination may be based on favoritism or nepotism, and no quota may be used.”
A statement released by the OMB reads, “The Administration strongly opposes the House’s sweeping attempts (sections 364, 523, 566, 595, 596, 598, 904, and 1046) to eliminate the Department’s longstanding DEI efforts and related initiatives to promote a cohesive and inclusive force. As articulated in the 2022 NDS, one of the Department’s top priorities is building a resilient Joint Force and defense enterprise.”
The statement continued, “DoD’s strategic advantage in a complex global security environment is the diverse and dynamic talent pool from which we draw. We rely on diverse perspectives, experiences and skill sets to remain a global leader, deter war and keep our nation secure. Moreover, DoD is committed to developing and maintaining a dignified, respectful and safe workplace. Legislation that reduces DoD’s ability to create a positive work environment and fully leverage the best our nation has to offer puts the Department at a strategic disadvantage.”
In response, Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) said, “Wokeness is a cancer that will destroy our military from the inside out if we don’t stop it.”
Rep. Mat Gaetz (R-FL) has said of DEI in the military, “We went from ‘be all you can be’ to this embrace of radical gender ideology and radical race ideology.”
The merit clause contained within the provision makes no reference to race or gender, explicitly stating, “A candidate shall be evaluated on the bases of qualifications, performance, integrity, fitness, training and conduct. No determination may be based on favoritism or nepotism, and no quota may be used.”
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) voiced his endorsement of removing DEI provisions from military promotions.
Roy stated, “What we’re trying to do is move to a colorblind, race-neutral worldview, where we’re focused on building a national defense and a military that is focused on, you know, blowing things up and killing people, not on social engineering wrapped in a uniform.”
