Sen. Hawley Questions OPM Nominee on DEI, Abortion Funding

Upholding the Smith Amendment

• 📌 Senator Hawley emphasized the Smith Amendment, a long-standing pro-life provision since 1982, which prohibits using federal funds for abortions or related administrative expenses.
• 💰 He highlighted that prior to the amendment, OPM administered plans that funded approximately 17,000 abortions annually, costing taxpayers nearly $10 million.
• ✅ Nominee Cooper committed to upholding the Smith Amendment and ensuring OPM funds are not used to support or pay for abortion services, adhering to all laws and regulations.

Addressing DEI Initiatives

• 🎯 Hawley questioned nominee Cooper regarding the previous administration's promotion of critical race theory, intersectionality, and DEI within OPM.
• 💡 He cited examples such as praising civil unrest, advancing a government-wide DEI strategic plan, creating a chief diversity officers network, issuing guidance on gender identity, and banning salary history assessments.
• 🏛️ Cooper stated that OPM will fully comply with the President's executive orders regarding DEI departments in government.

Nominee Priorities

• 🚀 Nominee Yulan expressed his commitment to serving with honor and dignity, effectuating the president's agenda, protecting cybersecurity and taxpayer information, and exploring new technologies to reorient the federal government.
• 🌟 Yulan also noted his long-standing commitment to the pro-life cause, as recognized by support from organizations like the Susan B. Anthony list and the National Right to Life Committee.