Making Excellence Replace Identity Traits Act or the MERIT Act This bill prohibits the federal government from establishing or implementing any hiring practice or program for federal employees or members of the uniformed services that uses affirmative action as a basis for personnel action, specifically affirmative action based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. The bill also prohibits the award of federal funds to entities that use such a practice or program, including contractors.