 Without objection, the chair may declare a recess at any time. I now recognize myself for the purpose of making an opening statement. I want to welcome everyone to this hearing before the Committee on Oversight. In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives have become a divisive subject in U.S. businesses, educational institutions, state legislatures, and here in Congress. Unfortunately, many of these initiatives, which many assume simply promote equal opportunity,