A congressional office focused on promoting diversity and inclusion, the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, was closed as a result of the passing of a $1.2 trillion government spending package. The director, Sesha Joi Moon, announced that the office would be dissolved and replaced by the Office of Talent Management. The move was part of the FY2024 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill and aimed to create a more reflective congressional workforce that represents the American people.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer praised the closure of the office, stating that it was operated using taxpayer funds and was part of House Republicans’ efforts to eliminate wasteful spending. The Democratic minority of the Committee on House Administration blamed extreme MAGA Republicans for targeting the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, pushing for its defunding and dissolution. Despite the decision to eliminate the office, Democrats ensured that its functions and staff would be preserved under the Chief Administrative Officer.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion was established under Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the Trump administration, with a focus on advancing representation across the House workforce and ensuring that the House community reflects the nation. However, a source familiar with the decision to close the office argued that many of its functions were redundant, as they were already being handled by the Congressional Administrative Office. The ODI also left millions in unspent funds each year during its brief active period.
The $1.2 trillion spending deal, which accounts for roughly 70% of fiscal year 2024’s discretionary government funding, was passed by the House and Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the process, highlighting conservative policy wins, rejection of extreme Democrat proposals, imposing cuts, and strengthening national defense. This, according to Johnson, was an important step in breaking the omnibus muscle memory and represented the best achievable outcome in a divided government.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s dissolution came amid criticism from Republicans regarding its funding and purpose, with accusations that it catered to the radical left’s agenda at the expense of taxpayers. Democrats defended the office, noting its importance in creating a more diverse and inclusive congressional workforce. Moving forward, the functions of the ODI will be transitioned to the newly formed Office of Talent Management within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, aiming to continue the mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the U.S. House of Representatives.
