WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) and Senator Marco Rubio (FL) introduced legislation to ensure that the American tax dollars meant to advance the United States national security interests do not support radical social initiatives.  The bill follows the release of Mast and Rubio’s report, which highlights how wokeness is weakening the U.S. State Department.

“Neither America nor the world needs a woke agenda right now,” said Rep. Mast.  “If President Biden doesn’t see the negative consequences of his policies globally, Congress needs to put an end to this woke nonsense.”

The Stop Wasteful, Odious, and Kooky Exercises (WOKE) at State Act would eliminate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) requirements during the foreign service tenure and promotion process.  The bill would also replace DEIA references in the Foreign Affairs Manual and other documents that promote the requirements.

The bill will be referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

BACKGROUND

On June 25, 2021, President Biden signed the Executive Order 14035, which would mandate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility as priorities for all federal agencies.  On September 13, 2022, Secretary of State Blinken established the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which is in charge of setting goals for recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, enhancing the reasonable accommodations process and establishing concrete measures to promote greater inclusivity for minority communities.

Earlier this week, Rep. Mast and Senator Rubio released a new report titled “Diversity Over Diplomacy: How Wokeness Is Weakening The U.S. State Department.”  The report detailed how the United States State Department has prioritized promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) policies at the expense of carrying out its mission to build international relationships and protect America’s national security.

Last week, Rep. Mast chaired a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability hearing with the State Department Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley.  During the hearing, Rep. Mast asked Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley what characteristics constitute “the best” among diplomats, or if certain physical characteristics made for better diplomats.  She could not answer.

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