SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Ending Racism in Government Contracting Act, aiming to remove race-based quotas and preferences from federal contracting. The bill, which is supported by Representatives Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), along with several other House co-sponsors, seeks to shift the focus of government contracts away from identity characteristics towards merit.

Since the 1970s, federal policies have increasingly emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates in contracting. These practices are criticized for undermining American values and reducing efficiency. The proposed legislation intends to eliminate current quotas and prevent future preferential treatment based on identity while maintaining prioritization for veteran-owned businesses.

Senator Lee stated that "race-based contracting undermines equal opportunity" and emphasized the need for contracts awarded on merit. Congressman Grothman echoed this sentiment, calling racial preferences "fundamentally unfair." Representative Luna criticized the current system for prioritizing racial favoritism over excellence.

The bill has received endorsements from organizations like Heritage Action, Pacific Legal Foundation, and the Manhattan Institute. Joshua Thompson of Pacific Legal Foundation described it as "long overdue," while Edward Jay Blum of the American Alliance for Equal Rights endorsed its alignment with civil rights principles.

Judge Glock from the Manhattan Institute highlighted concerns about taxpayer costs associated with race-based contracting. Ilya Shapiro noted that recent legal debates around equal protection extend beyond education into employment and government contracting spaces. Chris Rufo praised Senator Lee's efforts to promote colorblind equality.