Merit Restoration Act

119th Congress Introduced by Sheri Biggs and 11 co-sponsors

The bill would bar federal research agencies and grant recipients from using DEI practices deemed prohibited, restricting how DEI is addressed in federally funded research.

Introduced in House

Overview

HR 9103 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 119th Congress. Its stated purpose is to prohibit federal research agencies and recipients of federal research grants from using practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) that are deemed "prohibited" in the context of federal research grants. The bill is aimed at limiting or constraining DEI-related policies or practices within federally funded research activities and grant programs.

Key provisions (as described)

Prohibits federal research agencies and recipients of federal research grants from employing DEI practices that are deemed prohibited by the bill in relation to federal research grants.

Applies to both the agencies themselves and entities that receive federal research funding or grants.

The bill would be enforced through oversight or administrative mechanisms, potentially including reporting, compliance requirements, or penalties for noncompliance (specific enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the provided summary).

Who or what would be affected

Federal research agencies (e.g., agencies that fund or oversee research with federal dollars).

Institutions, universities, nonprofit organizations, and other entities that receive federal research grants or contracts.

Individuals involved in applying for, administering, or conducting federally funded research who are required to adhere to grant terms.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the House on June 2, 2026.

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration.

The action history indicates standard committee referral steps typical for a bill's progression; no floor passage or enactment status is indicated in the provided information.

Context and considerations

Co-sponsors include Rep. Greg Steube and Rep. Ralph Norman. Their involvement signals individual sponsor support in addition to the primary sponsor (not named here).

The bill’s language would define what constitutes a “prohibited DEI practice” and specify the scope of applicability (which grants, programs, and how compliance is measured). The provided summary does not include those definitional details, so exact prohibitions and thresholds are not specified here.

Potential impacts include changes to grant terms, grant administration policies, and internal DEI-related practices within funded institutions. Research communities may need to adjust recruitment, evaluation, training, or program requirements if those practices are restricted.

Notes for readers

For a complete understanding, the bill’s text would need to be reviewed to identify:

The precise definition of “prohibited DEI practice.”
Any exceptions or carve-outs (e.g., required nondiscrimination laws, equal opportunity requirements).
Enforcement provisions, penalties, and remedies for noncompliance.
Effective dates and transitional provisions.
Specific agencies and grant programs covered (which agencies, what types of grants, and any thresholds).