[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 30 (Thursday, March 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF AMENDMENT TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965

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                          HON. CHARLIE NORWOOD

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 1996

  Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would allow five 
historically black graduate schools to continue to compete for Federal 
grant funds under section 326 of title III of the Higher Education Act. 
Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Clark-Atlanta 
University, Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School, and Tuskegee 
University School of Medicine are all in danger of becoming ineligible 
for grant funds. These funds support the purchase of laboratory 
equipment, improvements to classrooms, libraries and laboratories, 
faculty development, and academic instruction. It is important that 
this Congress reaffirm its commitment to high quality graduate level 
education for young African-Americans in this country. This amendment 
allows us to continue that tradition.
  Historically black graduate schools train half of this country's 
African-American physicians, pharmacists, and dentists, as well as 
three quarters of all African-American veterinarians. For the most 
part, these individuals practice in poor urban and rural areas, where 
they serve large portions of disadvantaged Americans. These schools and 
individuals are providing a valuable service to this country by meeting 
one of the major challenges currently facing our health care system. 
They deserve our appreciation and our support whenever possible.
  This piece of legislation will continue these schools' grant 
eligibility, without any fiscal implications for the Federal 
Government. Passage of this legislation allows these fine graduate 
institutions to continue to provide top quality education and training 
to their students.
  The other 11 historically black graduate programs have no opposition 
to the continued eligibility of these 5 schools, and the decision to 
fund this particular section remains in the hands of the Appropriations 
Committee. There is no reason to restrict access to these funds.

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