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Equality Caucus Commends House Rejection of Agriculture Appropriations Bill

September 28, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus released the following statement commending the House for defeating H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.

"This bill was another attack on LGBTQI+ people and their families, and I am glad it was defeated. Instead of focusing on providing access to quality food across the country, investing in our rural economy, and ensuring the wellbeing of American families, MAGA Republicans made this bill about discriminating against the LGBTQI+ community," said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). "It's time to refocus our priorities on the needs of our country and stop targeting LGBTQI+ people for political points."

The Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies bill included the following riders:

"License to Discriminate" Riders – Sec. 773

This rider creates a license for people and organizations—including those receiving taxpayer funds—to discriminate against LGBTQI+ people under the guise of religious liberty, and they prevent the federal government from adequately responding. For example, they prohibit the federal government from reducing or terminating a federal contract or grant with an organization that discriminates against LGBTQI+ people if the organization justifies their discrimination based on the belief that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. For example:

  • If an organization receiving a grant from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education program refuses to provide services to same-sex couples, USDA would not be able to terminate the grant.

Pride Flag Riders – Sec. 772

This rider prohibits funds from being used to fly Pride flags at covered facilities.

Flying Pride flags is a way for agencies to illustrate their commitment to inclusion of LGBTQI+ employees and their families. LGBTQI+ people deserve to be seen, valued, and represented for their contributions.


DEI EO Riders – Sec. 764

This rider prohibits funds appropriated by the bill from being made available to implement, administer, apply, enforce, or carry out:

All these Executive Orders are LGBTQI-inclusive.

The House of Representatives also considered the following amendments to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 on the floor:

Good #24 (Rules #83) would reduce funding for the USDA Office of Civil Rights by 50% from FY23 levels. REJECTED

Boebert #89 (Rules #146) would prohibit funds from being used for courses, books or study guides relating to LGBTQ+ people and diversity more broadly. The amendment lists 17 specific courses, books, and topics that are banned, including on understanding and supporting LGBTQ+ employees, creating inclusive environments for transgender employees, and being an ally to all. ADOPTED

Good #100 (Rules #188) would prohibit funds from being used to implement Executive Orders 13988 (Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation), 14021 (Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free From Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity), and 14075 (Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals) —undermining USDA's efforts to combat sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. ADOPTED

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