US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB461

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

Eliminate DEI in the Military Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion activities (e.g., training) of the Armed Forces, national service academies, or the Department of Defense.

Impact

The passage of HB 461 would establish a new legal framework concerning the use of federal funds in military contexts, effectively banning funding for DEI-related training, programs, or positions. This change could lead to a reduction in efforts aimed at creating a more inclusive environment within the Armed Forces, which some proponents argue is necessary for a more unified military operation. Opponents, however, may view this as a regressive step that undermines progress in addressing inequality and fostering inclusive practices in military settings.

Summary

House Bill 461, named the 'Eliminate DEI in the Military Act', seeks to prohibit the obligation or expenditure of federal funds on any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities within the Armed Forces and related institutions. This legislation specifically targets programs and activities deemed to be promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within entities like the Department of Defense and national service academies. If enacted, this bill would mark a significant shift in how the military approaches DEI training and programs, effectively removing federal support for such initiatives.

Contention

Discussions around HB 461 are expected to be divisive among lawmakers and within the public sphere. Proponents of the bill are likely to emphasize a belief that DEI initiatives are unnecessary or counterproductive within the military context, arguing that they distract from the military's primary objectives. Conversely, critics may assert that DEI initiatives are crucial for improving morale, ensuring equal opportunity, and building a force that reflects the diversity of the nation, which is essential for effective operations and team cohesion.

Congress_id

119-HR-461

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-15

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3917

To prohibit the participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls.

US SB1988

A bill to prohibit the participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls.

US SB1256

Diversity; equity; inclusion; training; prohibition

US HF855

A bill for an act prohibiting community colleges from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and engaging in certain other activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.(Formerly HSB 61.)

US SB390

State Military; deployment of armed military forces of other states into this state without the permission of the Governor; prohibit

US HB5046

Restoring Merit in the Military Service Academies Act

US HSB61

A bill for an act prohibiting community colleges from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and engaging in certain other activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.(See HF 855.)

US SB1570

diversity; equity; inclusion; training; prohibition

US HB65

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption ActThis bill establishes exemptions from the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for defense-related operations.First, the bill prohibits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from designating military installations or state-owned National Guard installations as critical habitat under the ESA. It also prohibits FWS and NMFS from designating other lands, waters, or geographical areas as critical habitats if the Department of Defense (DOD) determines that the areas are necessary for military training, weapons testing, or other reasons. While DOD must submit such determinations in writing to the FWS, DOD is not required to consult with the FWS under the ESA about such determinations. Next, the bill exempts military personnel engaged in national defense-related operations (actions or duties that DOD deems necessary to support its mission) from ESA prohibitions on (1) taking (e.g., harming or killing) of endangered species or threatened species; (2) importing or exporting such species; and (3) damaging, destroying, removing, cutting, or digging up such species. Further, the bill exempts any injury to or mortality of a threatened or endangered species that results from, but is not the purpose of, a national defense-related operation.The term military personnel means a member of the Armed Forces as well as a civilian employee or contractor of (1) DOD; or (2) any other federal agency, or any provisional authority, to the extent such employment relates to supporting the mission of DOD overseas.

US HR682

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3838) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3486) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for individuals who illegally enter and reenter the United States after being removed, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.