Capitol Police discuss $1M budget for Office of Equity and Inclusion amid criticism

The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations held a subcommittee hearing on May 14, 2025, to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget requests for the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police. A significant focus of the discussion was the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) within the Capitol Police, which has a budget of approximately $1 million for nine personnel, including both civilian staff and contractors.

During the hearing, concerns were raised about the cost-effectiveness of the OEI, particularly given its small size relative to its budget. Some committee members questioned whether the funding could be better allocated to hiring additional police officers, noting that the average salary for officers exceeds six figures. This raised a debate about the priorities of the Capitol Police, especially in light of ongoing recruitment efforts.

The OEI aims to foster a culture of teamwork and inclusivity within the police force. However, some committee members expressed skepticism about the necessity of certain initiatives, such as community fairs that appeared to cater to younger audiences. Critics argued that these activities could detract from the primary mission of ensuring public safety and maintaining a professional police force.

The discussion also touched on the importance of diversity within the police department, with proponents of the OEI asserting that community members want their police force to reflect the demographics of the communities they serve. However, some committee members countered that focusing on diversity metrics could create division rather than unity within the department.

As the hearing concluded, the committee emphasized the need for a careful evaluation of the OEI's effectiveness and its alignment with the overall goals of the Capitol Police. The outcome of this review may influence future budget decisions and the direction of equity initiatives within the department.