Issue One’s ReFormers Caucus co-chairs respond to the disbandment of the U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Last week, the U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) closed its doors. This closure was the result of a provision in the legislative branch appropriations bill for FY2024 that was signed into law early Saturday morning. Some ODI staff will continue to carry on their responsibilities as part of the Office of Talent Management under the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.

In response, Issue One released the following statement from Amb. Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), two former members of Congress and co-chairs of the ReFormers Caucus:

“We are pleased with the work the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has accomplished in the past four years. We particularly applaud the staff who worked to make this office a success, and the bipartisan champions of modernization in Congress who have made critical strides to ensure diverse communities are represented in the legislative branch. We are disappointed by the closure of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, but remain hopeful that the critical work that the office began will continue in Congress. The ReFormers Caucus will remain vigilant and active in efforts to strengthen Congress and support the diverse voices who ensure the legislative branch fulfills its constitutional duties.”

Issue One Legislative Associate Joshua Bonet added:

“For a democracy to succeed, diverse perspectives and backgrounds must be reflected in the institutions that shape the nation’s laws and its peoples’ livelihoods. While the closure of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is a setback, at Issue One we will continue working towards the goal of representative democracy inside and outside of Congress.”

Background:

The ODI was created in March 2020 as the result of a recommendation by the bipartisan Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Its mission was to develop and support a congressional workforce that reflected the makeup of the nation.

The office offered a plethora of services, including resume review workshops, organizing convenings and career fairs, research and data analytics, and professional development programs. In particular, the ODI made significant advancements in connecting a diverse talent pool to career opportunities in the current Congress. The office created the House LinkedIn Recruiter Pilot Program, which has facilitated recruitment for over 63 House offices and created the resource “Tips For Talent: Promising Practices to Advance Representation In The 118th Congress.” The launch of the ODI Strategic Recruitment Directory provided valuable resources for offices to identify diverse talent pipelines. And, in partnership with the Inner City Fund, the ODI conducted the 2023 House Workforce Study, examining workforce representation, compensation, benefits, demographic composition, and workplace experiences of House employees.

Issue One was a strong proponent of the ODI and advocated for its formal establishment and increase in funding. Issue One has worked closely with the former select committee and the succeeding Subcommittee on Modernization within the House Administration Committee to inform and advance recommendations to improve congressional capacity and responsiveness.