Rep. Nancy Mace’s Bill Ends Woke DEI Politics In The Military
Mace backs Trump’s executive order to restore merit in the ranks
(Washington, D.C., August 22, 2025) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) introduced the Restoring Merit in the Military Act, legislation to ensure all military personnel decisions are based solely on merit, fitness, capability, and performance, not race, ethnicity, or national origin.
The bill backs President Donald Trump by aligning with his executive order on Restoring Merit and Lethality to America’s Armed Forces, doubling down on his push to end woke DEI policies and restore strength, merit, and fairness to the military.
It also builds on one of Rep. Mace’s amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and makes clear America’s military must remain the world’s strongest fighting force by upholding equal opportunity and racial neutrality in all Department of Defense personnel actions. These actions include accessions, promotions, assignments, command selection, and schooling or training opportunities.
“America’s military is the strongest fighting force the world has ever known, and we refuse to let woke politics chip away at its strength,” said Congresswoman Mace. “President Trump has drawn a bold line in the sand, and our legislation stands with him. We will restore merit, discipline, and fairness to our ranks so those who wear the uniform rise because of their skill and leadership, not because of the Left’s political agenda.”
The legislation prohibits the use of race, ethnicity, or national origin in any Department of Defense personnel action, with only a narrow exception for certain foreign missions where demographics may be critical to success. Any exception requires approval from the Combatant Commander and must be reported to Congress.
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