Hbcu Propelling Agency Relationships Towards A New Era of Results for Students Act

Floor Speech

I rise today in support of S. 461, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities--HBCU--PARTNERS Act, which stands for Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students.

This legislation is a result of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration and executive leadership across administrations. Executive orders on HBCUs began under Jimmy Carter and have evolved with each succeeding President.

In 1989, George H.W. Bush established the first President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs and the White House Initiative on HBCUs.

In February 2017, President Trump built upon these historic efforts and issued an executive order to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs. S. 461 would codify President Trump's executive order to pave a brighter and stronger path forward for HBCUs.

Notably, this bill established the President's Board of Advisors, a 23-member board responsible for advising the President and reporting on strengthening the educational capacity and economic offerings of HBCUs.

The board will also work closely with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to make recommendations to improve overall competitiveness of HBCUs, their ability to remain financially secure, how to elevate public awareness and appreciation of HBCUs, and more.

Federal agencies will collaborate with the White House Initiative on HBCUs, and each agency will work to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for Federal grants and contracts and to participate in Federal programs.

As a member of the Education & Labor Committee, I have spent time learning about the ways in which HBCUs serve our country's students and higher education community. I know I speak for many on the committee and in this Chamber when I say that HBCUs play a critical role in preparing our country's next generation of leaders and innovators.

This legislation before us today will empower HBCUs' education and economic offerings so they can continue serving students, families, and communities across the United States.

The HBCU PARTNERS Act is a culmination of leadership from both Republican and Democrat administrations. This bill has been crafted with bipartisan, bicameral input and, more importantly, with input from HBCU groups themselves.

HBCUs are a critical part of America's postsecondary education system. Today's legislation will renew our commitment to these institutions and empower HBCUs to continue providing countless men and women opportunities to pursue their dreams.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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