What does Preamble of Merit Restoration Act do?

This bill aims to prohibit Federal research agencies and recipients of Federal research grants from using specific diversity, equity, or inclusion practices. The bill's stated purpose is to address practices related to Federal research grants.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Merit Restoration Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Merit Restoration Act.

What does PROHIBITIONS ON PROHIBITED DIVERSITY, EQUITY, OR INCLUSION of Merit Restoration Act do?

This section prohibits Federal research agencies from using 'prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices' when awarding, evaluating, or continuing Federal research grants. It also prohibits recipients of Federal research grants from using such practices in carrying out the grant. If a recipient is alleged to violate these prohibitions, the Federal research agency may freeze the receipt of Federal funds and, if a violation is determined, require repayment of Federal funds used in the violation. The prohibitions apply to agreements entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act. A 'Federal research agency' is defined as an Executive agency that supports research activities through Federal funds. A 'Federal research grant' is defined as a grant for systematic study, excluding direct cash assistance, subsidies, loans, loan guarantees, or insurance. A 'prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice' includes discrimination based on protected characteristics, requiring training asserting inherent superiority or inferiority of groups, or requiring assent to such statements.

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Merit Restoration Act

Last updated: 6/2/2026 · Introduced: 6/2/2026

Author: Ralph Norman (R-SC)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits federal research agencies from considering specified diversity, equity, and inclusion practices when awarding or managing research grants.
The bill prevents recipients of federal research grants from using prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices in their research activities.
Violations of these prohibitions may result in the freezing or repayment of federal grant funds.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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