Leaders of the Congressional Tri-Caucus are calling for the restoration of the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion after funding for the office was slashed.
Republican appropriators zeroed out $3.5 million for the diversity office in the fiscal 2024 package enacted in March, prompting an outcry from staff groups and Democratic lawmakers. As the budget process kicks off for fiscal 2025, chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus — which includes the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus — want to see ODI revived in the 119th Congress and beyond.
“ODI’s work has helped tremendously to improve the congressional workplace through its mission and work in Member services, research and data analytics, and professional development for all Congressional staff,” wrote CAPAC Chair Judy Chu, D-Calif., CBC Chair Steven Horsford, D-Nev., and CHC Chair Nanette Barragán, D-Calif, in a letter to Democratic leaders Monday.
