Weekly Newsletter: July 8, 2024
It’s Time To Eradicate Divisive DEI From Our Government
In my recent op-ed for the Daily Caller, I outlined why it’s time to eradicate divisive “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) programs from our government. These programs, often disguised as noble efforts, actually foster division and resentment by prioritizing identity traits over individual abilities and achievements.
From NASA to the U.S. Army, DEI mandates have infiltrated federal agencies, promoting ideological division and undermining the principle of merit. This misuse of taxpayer money not only burdens us financially but also institutionalizes discriminatory practices.
That’s why Senator J.D. Vance and I introduced the Dismantle DEI Act. This bill would put an end to all DEI-related programs and policies within the federal government, ensuring that qualifications and hard work are what truly matter.
You can read my full op-ed here or listen to my podcast interview on The Daily Signal to learn more about our commitment to restoring fairness and opportunity for all Americans.
Protecting Our Second Amendment Rights
The U.S. Surgeon General recently declared gun violence a “public health crisis,” proposing extreme measures such as bans on carrying a firearm in public, gun confiscation, “assault weapons” bans, magazine capacity limits, storage requirements, and a national gun registry. These proposals threaten to nullify the Second Amendment and ignore the real issues our communities face.
The root cause of many societal issues is not firearms, but the breakdown of the family. With 18 million children living without a father in our country, we see higher rates of mental health issues and incarceration among these youth. Addressing these foundational issues should be our priority, not infringing on the rights of law-abiding Americans.
I urge my colleagues in the House to pass my bill, the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act. This bill would prevent the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from using emergencies or disasters as excuses to impose gun control measures and send a clear message to the Biden Administration that the American people will not tolerate this overreach. Let’s focus on real solutions that support family structures while upholding our constitutional rights.
Welcoming TX-27’s Art Winner to DC
It was a pleasure to invite Lola, the winner of this year’s Congressional Art Competition, and her mom to Washington, D.C., to celebrate her outstanding achievement. Lola, this year’s winner for TX-27, created a stunning work of art titled “Western Setting” (pictured below), which will be proudly displayed in the United States Capitol Cannon tunnel for the next year. Her artwork stood out among many impressive submissions, showcasing not only her technical skill but also a profound sense of expression. During her visit, Lola and her mom enjoyed a tour of the Capitol, where she could see firsthand the heart of our nation’s legislative process.
The Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school art contest organized by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, provides students with an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. Winning artworks from each district are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. This competition is a great way to encourage and recognize the artistic achievements of young constituents and foster an appreciation for the arts within our local community.
In the Media
I joined Tony Perkins on Washington Watch to talk about the growing threat from China and the importance of ensuring America’s military readiness. Take a listen:
God Bless,
Michael Cloud
Member of Congress