WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), released the following statement condemning House Republicans for refusing to consider their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) amendment in the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense appropriations package. This amendment would have helped preserve DEIA programming and initiatives at the Department of Defense (DOD). “There is strength in diversity, and the House Republicans’ refusal to consider our amendment to preserve DEIA programming within the military jeopardizes our national security. The armed forces are facing historic personnel shortages and urgently need to recruit competent and dedicated service members. Becoming more inclusive, tolerant, and accessible to service members from different backgrounds is absolutely imperative in strengthening our national security apparatus,” said the lawmakers. “Instead of taking this opportunity to support our women and men in uniform, Republicans would rather continue to stoke culture wars. We will continue our work to safeguard our service members from discrimination and ensure the DOD has adequate funding to attract, retain, and advance the best talent our nation has to offer,” said the lawmakers. ### |