Representative Josh Brecheen (R-OK) sponsored an amendment to H.R. 8998, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025, which would prohibit funding for any diversity, equity, and inclusion program or office at the environmental agencies funded by this bill. This amendment would block efforts to improve efforts to recruit and retain a federal environmental workforce that is more reflective of the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the U.S. and to reduce climate and environmental injustices in communities on the front lines of our nation's most dangerous environmental and health hazards. For too long, communities of color, communities of low wealth, and other historically underserved groups have been forced to bear the brunt of climatic hazards and pollution and have rarely been able to access the benefits of our lands, oceans and other natural spaces. Programs to correct these injustices and develop a diverse federal workforce that can advance these and other environmental priorities are important and should be maintained. On July 24, the House approved the Brecheen amendment by a vote of 211-202 (House roll call vote 388). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.