U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Responds to House Passage of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act

DEC, 19 2023—WASHINGTON, D.C.— Last week, Congress passed the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act by a count of 310-118, marking a disheartening day for Black businesses by stripping programs that promote the inclusion of small and minority-owned businesses in DoD opportunities.

Ron Busby, Sr., President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc., released the following statement in response:

“As it stands, we are profoundly disappointed with the final language of the National Defense Authorization Act. Buried within the hundreds of pages approving $800 billion for national defense is section 529B, which actively discourages efforts by the country’s largest employer and spender to engage around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Notwithstanding current political disinformation, DEI is rooted in the promise of this country’s desire to be its highest and best self. We are all from somewhere else and we must actively work to create out of our many disparate origins one nation.

By minimizing and eliminating roles within the Defense Department that can ensure our military and its supply chain, including thousands of Black-owned businesses, are welcomed, the government is making it clear to the Black community that we need not apply. That Members of Congress would support legislation that walks back commitments to all communities is a sad moment in this nation’s history. That such a step backward would begin with our nation’s military is deeply ironic given the history that this nation’s armed services have played in ensuring equity and inclusion by integrating well before the rest of the nation was ready to do so.

We are a diverse country, with a diverse military. To suggest we do not need roles that tackle the challenges of diversity and maximize its opportunities is simply wrong.

I’ve long said that in order for there to be a great America, there must be a great Black America. In order for there to be a great Black America, we need great Black businesses. In order to have great Black businesses, we need great Black Chambers of Commerce and the impactful work the USBC does to support the growth of Black enterprises.”