U.S. Senator Mike Lee introduced the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act on Apr. 27, aiming to prevent federal agencies from awarding contracts based on race or sex. Congressman Glenn Grothman introduced a similar bill in the House.
The legislation seeks to address concerns about fairness and efficiency in government contracting by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements that factor in race or gender. Supporters say these changes will restore merit-based selection and reduce waste of taxpayer funds.
“Unconstitutional discrimination disguised as ‘DEI’ has infected our federal government,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Awarding government contracts based on race and sex is, simply put, racist and sexist. These policies defy our founding values and waste taxpayer dollars on subpar projects. My bill will end discrimination in government contracting to restore merit-based partnerships, ensuring contractors, businesses, and workers are evaluated not by the color of their skin or gender, but their ability to serve the American people.” Congressman Grothman said, “Companies in my district have lost out on contracts despite offering higher quality products at a lower cost to the taxpayer. That’s not just unfair, it’s wasteful… Our bill restores accountability, reduces waste, and ensures contracts are awarded based on merit.”
Glenn Roper of Pacific Legal Foundation said the act would “end the consideration of race, ethnicity, or sex in federal contracting decisions” following recent Supreme Court rulings against such preferences. Judge Glock from Manhattan Institute added that “race- and sex-based contracting costs taxpayers billions of dollars” while inhibiting critical infrastructure work.
Since the 1970s, DEI-related mandates have expanded within federal contract processes; agencies must currently award certain contracts based on owners’ or employees’ immutable characteristics rather than ability alone. President Trump issued Executive Order 14398 addressing these practices earlier this year; supporters say legislation is needed for permanent change.
Lee has championed constitutional principles and individual liberty as a U.S. senator for Utah according to his official website. He promotes limited government and free markets according to his official website. Lee grew up as a fourth-generation Utahn in Provo according to his official website, is the son of Rex E. Lee according to his official website, received degrees from Brigham Young University according to his official website, and serves as Utah’s U.S senator according to his official website.
Chris Rufo of Manhattan Institute called for ending identity-based preferences: “This bill from Senator Lee and Congressman Grothman will help dismantle the ideology of left-wing identity politics… with equal treatment under law.” Ilya Shapiro added that reform is needed so taxpayers aren’t funding contracts “based on identity-based spoils.”
The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act proposes eliminating quotas tied to race or sex; repealing related programs such as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; removing reporting requirements targeting small businesses; rescinding existing rules requiring racial or gender preference; prohibiting future similar regulations; while still allowing support for rural or veteran-owned businesses.
