The Department of Defense (DOD) has requested an insane amount of $114 million; not to help defend our nation or support allies in the ongoing wars, but for diversity and equity initiatives (DEI). The controversial topic has led to massive criticism against the Biden administration for weakening our military, as recruitment has hit an all-time low.
The DOD fiscal year 2024 budget request shows the federal agency’s emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, including “ensuring accountable leadership with continued emphasis and investments in sexual assault and harassment prevention, suicide prevention, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), and Insider Threat Programs.”
The DOD document unveils that DEI is at the forefront of DOD policy and priorities.
“The Department will lead with our values – building diversity, equity, and inclusion into everything we do,” the report said. The report states:
Leaders at all levels are responsible for fostering a climate of inclusion that supports diversity, is free from problematic behaviors, and does not tolerate retaliation or reprisal against those filing complaints. Ultimately, recruiting and retaining a force with diverse backgrounds, thought, experience, expertise, and education enhances DoD’s global joint warfighter capabilities fundamental to all DoD activities. The DoD has taken a number of actions to strengthen its antidiscrimination posture and advance diversity and inclusion throughout the Department. Notably, DoD expanded endeavors historically known as diversity, equity, and inclusion to include a distinct focus on accessibility to highlight the importance of an accessible workplace and further ensure equal opportunity for all. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee publicly criticized the notion, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Last week, the Pentagon failed its 6th consecutive audit…This week, they requested $114 million for DEI. The Biden Admin’s focus on progressivism over warfighting continues to exacerbate the military recruiting crisis and calls into question our level of military preparedness.”
Republican Representative Dan Bishop of Texas called on Congress to take a closer look at how they are authorizing the DOD to spend its funds. “Fresh off the heels of failing its sixth consecutive audit, the Pentagon wants $144m for DEI nonsense?” said Bishop, R-N.C. “We need our military laser-focused on defending the nation, not on woke training seminars. Congress can’t continue to rubber-stamp this superfluous spending.”
“Americans are currently being held hostage – and global conflict surrounds us – yet the Pentagon has the gall to ask for $114 million for DEI,” said Republican Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri.