U.S. Congressmen Matt Gaetz (FL-01) and Eli Crane (AZ-02) have issued a formal inquiry to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan, questioning the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly in relation to their impact on staffing shortages and operational readiness.
This inquiry comes after the USCG reported a significant shortfall of approximately 4,800 members, which has led to the temporary decommissioning of several ships and the closure of satellite boat stations across various districts.
The letter, sent by Gaetz and Crane, expresses concern that the USCG’s focus on DEI, including Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) inclusivity training, may be detracting from mission-critical tasks and contributing to recruitment and retention challenges.
The congressmen have requested specific information on how SOGI training impacts manning issues, the timeline for recommissioning decommissioned ships, and the cost associated with these inclusivity programs. They are also seeking clarity on the statutory authority behind these initiatives and the potential savings if such programs were discontinued.
“We understand the challenges faced by the USCG in retaining service members, particularly when competing with higher-paying private sector jobs,” the letter states. “However, we question how SOGI inclusivity training helps resolve these recruitment and retention challenges, which are crucial to our operational readiness and national security.”
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The congressmen have requested responses to their questions by October 1, 2024, and urged the USCG to prioritize mission-critical operations over DEI initiatives that may undermine the service’s effectiveness.
This development highlights ongoing concerns among some lawmakers regarding the balance between DEI initiatives and the core operational duties of military and security forces in the United States.
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