The Biden administration is attempting to fight against a new provision in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require military promotions to be based solely on merit — which would prevent them from considering race or gender as factors.
“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,” the merit provision read.
The White House released a statement through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Monday in response to the proposed NDAA, expressing opposition to several provisions — including attempts to roll back some of the radical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies President Joe Biden enacted upon taking office.
“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 DEIA efforts and related initiatives to promote a cohesive and inclusive force,” the statement read. “As articulated in the 2022 NDS, one of the Department’s top priorities is building a resilient Joint Force and defense enterprise.”
“DoD’s strategic advantage in a complex global security environment is the diverse and dynamic talent pool from which we draw,” the statement continued. “We rely on diverse perspectives, experiences, and skillsets 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.”
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) responded to the White House attacking provisions that he wrote, including the merit clause and the clauses repealing DEI policies — calling the attacks a “badge of honor.”
“Wokeness is a cancer that will destroy our military from the inside out if we don’t stop it,” Banks added.
“The men and women serving our country deserve much better than a commander-in-chief who reduces them to their sex and the color of their skin,” Banks further argued in a statement to The Federalist. “It’s offensive, unconstitutional, and dangerous!”
We are using the NDAA to get rid of wokeness at the Pentagon!
-slashing DEI pay
-requiring merit-based promotions
-eliminating chief diversity officer
-reinstating servicemembers who didn’t take COVID vax
-defunding Navy Drag Queen program
-banning CRThttps://t.co/xFmparyvsl— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) July 11, 2023
