Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi has announced her support as an original cosponsor for a bill introduced by Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt. The legislation aims to codify an executive order signed by former President Trump, which sought to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies.

The proposed bill, known as the Dismantle DEI Act of 2025 (S.382), seeks not only to halt the Biden administration's DEI initiatives but also to prevent future administrations from reinstating similar policies. On his first day in office during his second term, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, targeting the termination of DEI programs across federal agencies and calling for a list of contractors and grantees involved with these initiatives.

Senator Hyde-Smith expressed her support by stating: “In America, opportunity and success should be determined by ability, not identity. These DEI programs are inherently biased, waste Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and prioritize ideological conformity over merit. I am proud to stand with Senator Schmitt and President Trump in ending this divisive and wasteful agenda.”

Senator Schmitt added: “DEI has plagued our federal government, academic institutions, and other aspects of our society for far too long, all while disregarding merit in the process. America is the greatest meritocracy the world has ever seen, and no taxpayer dollars should be wasted on funding this divisive ideology which undercuts the values our country was founded on.” He further stated that "President Trump understands that these programs have absolutely no business in the federal government," emphasizing his pride in introducing this legislation alongside Congressman Cloud.

The bill S.382 has been sent to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for consideration. It currently has 19 Republican Senators as original cosponsors. In parallel with this Senate initiative, U.S. Congressman Michael Cloud from Texas introduced a companion bill (HR.925) in the House of Representatives with Congressman Michael Guest from Mississippi among its original supporters.