Steve Cohen: “I would say that this amendment which prohibits funds from this Act being used to hire any diversity, equity, and…”

“I would say that this amendment which prohibits funds from this Act being used to hire any diversity, equity, and inclusion officials or conduct DEI training is unnecessary, inappropriate, and failing our system. It is interesting that it follows the amendment that would look into and suggest that Secretary Buttigieg has done something wrong. As our Nation works toward long-term economic recovery, it is critical the educational and career opportunities in the aerospace industry be available and accessible to all Americans. It doesn't say that people who aren't the most qualified would get hired. DEI just says people would get opportunities which they may not have had in the past, and there might be systems in place that do not allow people who are diverse, who need to be included, inclusive, and gives them an opportunity and equitably get the job just because of their appearance. It means that they don't get discriminated against. The U.S. aerospace industry is taking initial steps to diversify its workforce through the creation of flight training academies, apprenticeships, and other career pathway programs, but more can be done. The underlying bill robustly invests in the FAA's aviation workforce development programs to support the education and recruitment of aviation jobs, including for communities underrepresented in the aviation industry. I represent the Ninth Congressional District in Tennessee, which is a minority-majority district.…”