[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6823-H6828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

  Mr. McKEON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 561) recognizing the contributions of Hispanic-
serving institutions.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 561

       Whereas there are more than 200 Hispanic-serving 
     institutions in the United States;
       Whereas Hispanic-serving institutions provide the quality 
     education so essential to full participation in a complex, 
     highly technological society;
       Whereas the number of Hispanic Americans enrolled in 
     college is growing twice as quickly as enrollment at all 
     colleges, according to a recent report from the Department of 
     Education;
       Whereas Hispanic-serving institutions have allowed many 
     students to attain their full potential through higher 
     education;
       Whereas the achievements and goals of Hispanic-serving 
     institutions are deserving of national recognition; and
       Whereas Hispanic Heritage Month is an appropriate time to 
     express that recognition: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, 

     SECTION 1. RECOGNITION OF HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

        The House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the significance of Hispanic-serving 
     institutions;
       (2) recognizes that Hispanic-serving institutions are 
     indispensible in meeting the educational needs of one of the 
     Nation's youngest and fastest-growing populations;
       (3) commends the Nation's Hispanic-serving institutions for 
     their commitment to academic excellence for all students, 
     including low-income and educationally disadvantaged 
     students;
       (4) urges the presidents, faculty, and staff of the 
     Nation's Hispanic-serving institutions to continue their 
     efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate students who might 
     otherwise not pursue a postsecondary education;
       (5) recognizes the importance of title V of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965, which aids in strengthening the 
     academic quality, institutional management, and financial 
     stability of Hispanic-serving institutions; and
       (6) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling on the people of the United States and interested 
     groups to demonstrate support for Hispanic-serving 
     institutions in the United States during that month with 
     appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. McKeon) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).


                             General Leave

  Mr. McKEON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members

[[Page H6824]]

may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H. Res. 561.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McKEON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 561, in 
recognition of the contributions that Hispanic-serving institutions 
make in helping educate America's youngest and fastest-growing 
population. Hispanic-serving institutions are vital components of the 
higher education equation. Not only do they improve access to higher 
education for Hispanic Americans, they are committed to providing 
academic excellence to low-income and disadvantaged students.
  HSIs enroll and graduate thousands of impressive students each year, 
despite often-limited resources. Prior to the reauthorization of the 
Higher Education Act of 1998, HSIs were eligible for Federal funds 
under title III, part A, the strengthening institutions program.
  During reauthorization, we created a separate program and funding 
stream for Hispanic-serving institutions in an effort to expand 
educational opportunities for Hispanic students. The new program under 
title V allows institutions to use Federal money to build their 
endowments and provide scholarships and fellowships for needy students. 
The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) is the one that brought that to 
our attention, and I thank the gentleman for his effort in that regard.
  Since the Higher Education Act of 1998, Federal support of HSIs has 
increased to $86 million, and President Bush's budget, passed by the 
House earlier this year, would increase support for HSIs by an 
additional 3.5 percent.
  It is important to also note that today's recognition of HSIs and 
last week's resolution recognizing the Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities are a continued commitment by this Congress to increase 
access to post-secondary education for not only minority students, but 
to all American students.
  For example, Congress has made the Pell Grant program their highest 
priority for post-secondary education. Since 1995, we have increased 
the maximum Pell Grant every year. For 2002, the maximum Pell Grant 
reached a record high of $4,000, up from just $2,340 in 1995. This is a 
71 percent increase in the maximum Pell Grant award and helps over 4.4 
million low-income students each year. Next year, the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce will begin the process of reauthorizing the 
Higher Education Act, where our main focus will center on examining 
Federal policy that provides access to a high-quality and affordable 
college education.
  During the process, we will continue to promote the role of HSIs in 
higher education and celebrate contributions they make to better the 
lives of so many young Americans.
  Finally, I want to take this opportunity to highlight California 
State University Northridge, a Hispanic-serving institution located in 
my congressional district in California. According to the U.S. 
Department of Education, CSUN ranked among the top 100 universities 
nationwide in graduating Hispanic students at the bachelor's and 
master's level. The university also places highly in Hispanic Outlook 
in Higher Education and Black Issues in Higher Education rankings for 
degrees awarded.
  I am pleased to be able to recognize the impact that institutions 
like Cal State Northridge make on local and national communities. I 
urge the House to adopt this important resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have the time I control be 
controlled by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson).
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I also want to first express my condolences to the 
family of my good friend and colleague, Patsy Mink. The people of 
Hawaii and this Nation have experienced a tremendous loss. I worked 
with Patsy Mink for 6 years on the Committee on Education and the 
Workforce and always found her to be a tireless advocate for children 
and workers. I will truly miss her wisdom, her wit, and her fighting 
spirit. She fought for all students to have an opportunity to access 
quality education and have access to higher education.
  Madam Speaker, with those thoughts having been expressed, I rise 
today to strongly support H. Res. 561, honoring the contributions of 
the more than 200 Hispanic-serving institutions, known as HSIs, 
throughout the United States.

                              {time}  1430

  I want to acknowledge the assistance of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Boehner) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) in bringing 
this bill to the House floor. I also want to acknowledge the 
contributions which the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) 
has made to HSIs over the years. It is encouraging to see bipartisan 
support for these educational institutions of higher learning.
  I was very pleased to hear the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) 
talk about the opportunity that I had in 1997-1998 during 
reauthorization of higher education to raise the level of awareness of 
the Nation for the work that the Hispanic-serving institutions are 
making in helping so many Latino students go to college and be able to 
raise the level of education attainment for this community. This 
bipartisan support will become increasingly important as we reauthorize 
the Higher Education Act in 2003.
  In the last decade we have made significant progress in narrowing the 
gap of achievement between minority students and Anglo-Saxon students. 
We must continue to close that gap for Hispanics so that they, too, are 
successful in their higher education pursuits. Why is this important? 
It is important because Latinos are the fastest-growing population in 
the country. If Latinos are to fully contribute to society and this 
great Nation, then Hispanic students must be given access to 
educational opportunities. While the increase in Hispanics pursuing a 
postsecondary education is significant, it is still not keeping pace 
with the Hispanic American presence in the general population, nor with 
the pool of Latino high school graduates.
  For my colleagues who are not familiar with HSIs, they are defined as 
institutions of higher learning with a Hispanic student enrollment of 
25 percent or greater. A percentage must be low-income and first-
generation students. These college institutions are often located in 
low tax-base communities and too often are grossly underfunded. Until 
1996, there were 200 eligible HSIs competing for only $10 million for 
the whole country. Needless to say, only a small percentage received 
funding.
  During the 1997-1998 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, 
Congress included for the first time language that addressed these 
woefully neglected institutions. Since then, funding has significantly 
increased. Yes, as the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) said 
earlier, it has now gotten up to $86 million. We certainly hope that 
the leadership will consider some amount greater than 3 or 4 percent, 
but instead possibly looking at a 25 percent increase to be able to 
keep up with the need that we have for HSIs.
  Yet despite these increases, it has been difficult to further develop 
these institutions because funding remains problematic at both the 
State and Federal levels. This neglect is a national crisis because 
HSIs produce most of the Nation's Hispanic college graduates receiving 
associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Almost two-
thirds of the 1.5 million Hispanic students in higher education are 
enrolled in these HSIs. These colleges offer a real future to those who 
successfully complete their high school requirements.
  The majority of HSIs are found in California, Arizona, Florida, 
Puerto Rico, New York and Illinois. There are also institutions in 
Washington State and New Jersey. Due to the projected growth of the 
Hispanic population nationwide, the number of HSIs are expected to 
increase significantly. There

[[Page H6825]]

are currently 100 additional institutions on the verge of being 
declared HSIs.
  In closing, today we are honoring and recognizing the tremendous 
positive contributions that HSIs are making in training the next 
generation of Americans. However, we need to do more than commend HSIs. 
We need to give them the resources they need to continue their work. I 
strongly urge all my colleagues to support House Resolution 561.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), chairman of the 
committee.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for 
yielding me this time. I want to thank and congratulate the gentleman 
from California (Mr. McKeon), chairman of the Subcommittee on 21st 
Century Competitiveness, for introducing this important resolution, and 
I appreciate his efforts to recognize the importance of Hispanic-
serving institutions.
  Let me also congratulate the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for 
his work in the last reauthorization and his continued commitment to 
helping these very important institutions.
  Hispanic-serving institutions, or HSIs as we like to call them, have 
played an important role in educating America's students. HSIs are 
defined as those institutions with Hispanic enrollments of at least 25 
percent, with 50 percent of those students being low-income. As we all 
know, Hispanics are one of the fastest growing populations in the 
United States, and we need to reaffirm our commitment to those 
institutions serving this vital population.
  I am proud of the efforts put forward by this Congress and by this 
administration to help meet the needs of HSIs. In fiscal year 2002, we 
provided $86 million to support these institutions, and President Bush 
has increased that commitment again this fiscal year.
  I applaud the efforts of the HSIs in the country for their commitment 
to academic excellence and to serving low-income and disadvantaged 
students. For many, without the commitment of institutions such as 
these, achieving a postsecondary education would be all but impossible. 
The work done by HSIs and their dedicated faculty and staff, I think, 
are critical to the success of the country as a whole. As the Committee 
on Education and the Workforce moves forward with the reauthorization 
of the Higher Education Act next year, we will do all we can to 
continue to support these institutions and the academic excellence they 
provide to their students.
  I urge my colleagues to support the resolution today. It recognizes 
and honors the important work that Hispanic-serving institutions are 
doing in this country as we look forward to helping students from all 
walks of life learn and prepare to pursue the American dream.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Baca), a good friend and important member of the 
Hispanic Caucus.
  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, first of all I would like to commend the 
gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) and the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Hinojosa) for bringing this resolution before us, which I strongly 
support, H. Res. 561, recognizing the contributions of Hispanic-serving 
institutions. Hispanic-serving institutions are located in fast-growing 
Hispanic communities. As we look at the number of Hispanics and growth 
within our communities, Hispanic-serving institutions continue to 
provide services to our communities. They are reaching out not only to 
low-income people, but are providing an opportunity to many individuals 
that otherwise would not have an opportunity to go to a State college 
or university to pursue their dreams and fulfill those dreams to become 
productive citizens in our communities.
  It is the Hispanic-serving institutions within our communities that 
are now reaching out and providing opportunities not only in academics, 
but opportunities in careers and the potential to fulfill the goals for 
many of these students who will end up being our mayors, our city 
council members, our Members of Congress, and members of our 
communities who are contributing.
  Recent studies by the Department of Education shows that the number 
of Hispanics are growing, and enrollment is increasing within our 
Hispanic communities. It is important that we continue to fund 
Hispanic-serving institutions to make sure that no child is left 
behind, that no student is left behind, and that each student has an 
opportunity to be all that he or she wants to be. This can only happen 
if we continue to provide the funding to these important institutions 
that are reaching out and giving an opportunity to many kids that do 
not have one.
  I commend the Hispanic-serving institutions in providing this 
important vehicle and an opportunity such as those that I have in my 
district. I have two community colleges, San Bernardino Valley College 
and Cal State San Bernardino, with the possibility of UC-Riverside 
being another Hispanic-serving institution. These are a few of the many 
that we are going to see in the future, but it is our responsibility to 
make sure that they have the funds to provide for books, professors, 
laboratories, curriculum and other services that are rapidly growing 
within the Hispanic population to make sure that these students have 
the needs and the tools to perform in school. Hispanic-serving 
institutions provide that vehicle.
  I want to commend our colleagues for bringing this resolution 
forward. I encourage the administration to continue to support the 
growth that we have.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Mexico (Mr. Udall).
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 561, recognizing the contributions of Hispanic-serving 
institutions. It is important that Congress credit the institutions' 
commitment to academic excellence through high-quality education. These 
institutions have worked with students from low-income and 
disadvantaged backgrounds to successfully help them achieve their 
academic ambitions and continue to strive for loftier goals upon 
graduation. Hispanic students are at greater risk of not enrolling or 
graduating from college. This disparity continues to increase. Without 
the continued efforts of Hispanic-serving institutions towards 
recruitment and retention in postsecondary schools, these students 
would have missed the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and 
insight to our evolving technological work force.
  In my district, 10 Hispanic-serving institutions reach out to 
students throughout rural northern New Mexico. They present students 
with opportunities for higher education through universities, community 
colleges, vocational and technical institutes in a traditional and/or 
long-distance learning setting. The degree and certificate programs 
give students the tools they need to move beyond their history of 
disadvantages and towards a future of successful endeavors.
  I urge my colleagues to support Hispanic-serving institutions and 
recognize the valuable academic support these centers have given to the 
recruitment and retention of our Nation's youngest and fastest-growing 
population.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to 
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Texas for working so hard on this issue of Hispanic-serving 
institutions. Obviously I am a proud cosponsor of House Resolution 561, 
which recognizes the contributions of Hispanic-serving institutions.
  As a Hispanic, it might be a little different than what most people 
realize is going on in our Nation. First of all, the youngest 
population in the United States, the largest group of youngsters is the 
Hispanic population. In fact, over 50 percent of the Hispanic 
population in the Nation is under 18 years of age. We also make more 
and more of the work force every single day. The projection into the 
future will be that the workers of this country will be a large group 
of Hispanic people. So we need to educate them.

[[Page H6826]]

  We have seen the graduation rates be very low for Hispanics. In fact, 
I would venture to say that unofficially probably about 50 percent of 
Hispanic students do not graduate from high school. Why is that? 
Because if someone goes and gets a job at McDonald's before they 
graduate from high school, he is not considered a dropout. He is 
considered an employed person. But when you take a look at the 
population of Hispanics, it is a very high ratio. So we are not only 
trying to increase the number of Hispanics who graduate from the high 
school level, but also to prepare them well so that they can go on to 
universities, community colleges, et cetera.
  Our Hispanic-serving institutions work very well in that arena. They 
work with the middle and high schools in the area to help to ensure 
that the students are taking the right classes, the building blocks 
they need to get into the university. And then they welcome them into 
the university, and they retain them.
  One of the biggest problems the Hispanic population has is that we 
drop out of college, so it is important to acknowledge the contribution 
to this Nation, to America, that the Hispanic-serving institutions are 
doing. I would like to in particular acknowledge the two Hispanic-
serving institutions that I have in Orange County in my area. Santa Ana 
College ranks 30th among the top 100 associate's degree producers in 
the Nation, and it is the second highest producer of minority graduates 
in California.

                              {time}  1445

  Also, Cal State Fullerton, which also does extensive outreach to 
ensure that our Hispanic students are getting to college, are learning 
in college, and are graduating from college so that they can enter the 
workforce.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time.
  Madam Speaker, I wish to say that this resolution is recognizing over 
200 HSIs that are making a great contribution towards raising the level 
of education attainment for thousands and thousands of minority 
students. I want to say that on a personal note, in my congressional 
district I have four colleges and universities with this HSI 
designation. The first one, the University of Texas Pan American, with 
over 14,000 students and how, in these last 5 years, we have seen a 
tremendous increase of students now enrolled at that university.
  The Texas A&M Kingsville, another fine university with over 5,000 
students also issuing lots of degrees in engineering and Ph.D.s in both 
education and engineering and other majors. Also, the South Texas 
Community College in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas with an 
enrollment of over 13,000 students of which 95 percent are Hispanic. 
They are doing a wonderful job. Within only 8 years of having been 
founded, I can see the difference that it is making in our region of 
the country. The fourth one is the Coastal Bend Community College, with 
more than 5,000 students, in the center part of my district. Again, 
they are raising those opportunities and the hope for so many young men 
and women.
  So again, it is an honor for us to be able to speak to this 
resolution and to be working on a bipartisan manner with our friends on 
the other side of the aisle. We are very appreciative of the support 
that is being given by all of our colleagues, and I urge that they 
approve this wonderful resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I am very pleased to commend this resolution to the House and to 
commend the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the chairman of the 
subcommittee, who took the initiative during Hispanic Heritage Month in 
America to introduce this resolution to commend Hispanic-serving 
institutions who are providing postsecondary education to the growing 
number of Hispanic American students. I want to also acknowledge the 
statements of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).
  Many of the Hispanic American children in school today, elementary 
and high school in America, came to America or were born in America to 
parents whose jobs were on the low end, many times, of the employment 
spectrum. And to raise the opportunity for a postsecondary education by 
having available institutions like these to provide Hispanic American 
children with a higher education will ensure a richer life for them and 
for their children to come.
  Madam Speaker, I commend this resolution to the body. I thank the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for his leadership. He is a 
tireless worker on behalf of the Hispanic American community.
  Ms. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today in support of the resolution to honor the contributions of 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to our nation. The 203 Hispanic-
Serving Institutions throughout the country comprise two-thirds of the 
1.5 million Hispanic students in postsecondary programs. Without these 
dedicated HSIs, many Hispanic students would not have the opportunity 
to go to college and realize their full academic and professional 
potential.
  There are two HSIs in my district--Rio Hondo College and Cerritos 
College--and I have personally seen the impact these schools have on 
young Latinos in my community. Rio Hondo College has a wide variety of 
course offerings in fields including math, natural science, social 
science, humanities, communications and the arts. Rio Hondo College 
also offers pre-professional courses in fields such as nursing, 
psychology, education, law enforcement, fire-fighting and international 
trade. Cerritos College also offers courses in a number of fields, 
including health occupations, social sciences, technology training and 
liberal arts. Cerritos College is also providing Ford Motor Company 
Foundation mechanic training. Through a Department of Labor grant, 
Cerritos College also provides high-tech, high-numeric engineering 
training to fill the gap left by retiring workers.
  Schools like these reach out to the Hispanic population and provide 
them with the opportunities and support they need. In addition to 
helping students continue their education, HSIs help current workers 
update their skills and help older as well as non-traditional students 
prepare to re-enter the workforce.
  Despite the success of HSIs, Hispanics still suffer the lowest high 
school and college completion rates of any racial or ethnic group in 
our country. The high school dropout rate among Hispanics remains over 
40 percent, and in some areas is as high as 70 percent. These 
statistics are very troubling. We must provide our Latino youth with 
high quality education to ensure that they are prepared to enter the 
workforce, become productive and involved citizens, and lead the next 
generation of Hispanics in the U.S.
  It is clear that more work is needed, and we must build upon the 
achievements of our Hispanic-Serving Institutions and provide them with 
the funding they need to continue their valuable task of educating the 
Latino population in the U.S. This is not only good for Latinos, but 
will benefit our entire economy. More education and training leads to 
better jobs, and the more money Latinos make, the more they can spend 
and put back into our economy. We are taking an important step today by 
honoring HSIs and recognizing their importance to our nation. I look 
forward to working with my colleagues as we continue to help HSIs in 
their excellent work.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI's). An HSI is 
defined as an institution that has at least 25 percent full time 
Hispanic enrollment, and of the Hispanic student enrollment, at least 
50 percent are low income. There are over 200 HSI's in the United 
States, and eight in my 28th Congressional District in Texas. As a 
former educator, I understand the importance of a quality education--
both to the success of the individual student, and ultimately to the 
success of our country. It should be clear that in order for America to 
maintain and build upon our global competitiveness we must have a 
capable and technologically advanced workforce. Studies show that by 
the year 2008, 60 percent of all new jobs will require skills that are 
held by just 20 percent of the current workforce.
  To meet this goal, we must ensure quality instruction and resources 
at our institutions of higher learning, especially in the areas of 
science and mathematics. Even if students do not pursue a career in 
these fields, they still will need basic knowledge in science and 
technology to be successful in our competitive work force. As a country 
we cannot afford to have students complete high school and pursue a 
higher education scientifically and technologically illiterate.
  According to a study by the Department of Education the number of 
Hispanic Americans enrolled in college is growing twice as quickly as 
overall enrollment at all colleges. With the beginning of the 21st 
Century, a larger proportion of the U.S. population will be composed of 
African Americans, Hispanics, and Native

[[Page H6827]]

Americans. As a group, these populations have traditionally been 
underrepresented in the science and engineering disciplines compared to 
their proportion of the total population.
  A recent report produced by the National Science Foundation (NSF) 
reveals that African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans as a 
whole comprise 23 percent of the population and earn, as a whole, 14.7 
percent of the bachelor degrees, 8.2 percent of the masters degrees, 
and 5.5 percent of the doctorate degrees in science and engineering.
  There are few within the scientific community who argue about the 
effect of demographics on the future science and engineering workforce. 
These fields have been the primary domain of white males. This can and 
must change. African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, with 
Hispanics, being the fastest-growing, will comprise a more significant 
segment of the workforce and will need to fill more positions within 
the scientific community.
  Hispanics are improving their academic achievement levels. They have 
increased their share of earned bachelors degrees from 4 percent in 
1990 to 6.5 percent in 1998. The proportion of masters degrees received 
by Hispanics increased from 2.2 percent in 1990 to 3.5 percent in 1998. 
In doctoral candidates our progress has slowed in 1990 at 2 percent in 
1998 at 2.8 percent. We must continue to move forward and in order to 
succeed it will take a national commitment to education. The success 
illustrated by these increases reflect the hard work of HSI's and other 
institutions in recruiting, and retaining Hispanic students.
  Today I congratulate all HSI's, especially those in San Antonio: Our 
Lady of the Lake University Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, St. 
Mary's University, St. Phillips College, The University of Texas at San 
Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center, and The 
University of the Incarnate Word, for all their wonderful 
contributions. HSI's recognize how indispensable the contributions of 
Hispanics will be in the future, as they continue on their path of 
growth and dominance within our workforce. I commend HSI's for their 
many contributions to the academic excellence within the Hispanic 
community and society at large. Further, I encourage all the 
presidents, faculty and staff of our nation's HSI's to continue their 
efforts in recruiting, retaining and graduating students who might 
otherwise not purse a post-secondary education. Our country's future is 
in your hands.
  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of 
House Resolution 561, Recognizing the Contributions of Hispanic-Serving 
Institutions, and I commend my colleague and fellow Texan, Congressman 
Ruben Hinojosa, for authoring it. It is most fitting that during 
Hispanic Heritage Month we take a moment to reflect on the tremendous 
contributions made to the Latino community and the nation as a whole by 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
  Over 200 colleges and universities across the country are considered 
HSIs as defined by the Higher Education Act. Together, these HSIs serve 
over 1.5 million Latino students, about forty percent of all Latinos in 
higher education. Thousands of future teachers, engineers, businessmen 
and women, lawyers, doctors, authors and artists are currently 
conducting their undergraduate studies at HSIs, and many more are yet 
to come. Hispanics form the fastest-growing sub-population of students 
in the country, making the continued support of HSIs all the more 
important.
  Since coming to Congress, I have worked hard to increase the 
resources available to HSIs. Working with Congressman Hinojosa, who 
chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Education Task Force, we have 
increased Title V funding for the infrastructure and faculty 
development of HSIs from $12 million in 1998 to $86 million this year.
  We are working to see that number increase again in the fiscal year 
2003 appropriations, currently stalled in the House. What a fine 
tribute to HSIs it would be if we could move the Labor-HHS-Education 
appropriations bill through the House and include a hefty increase in 
HSI funding, and funding for all Hispanic-serving education programs 
because if we fail to help children succeed in elementary and secondary 
school, they will never make it an HSI or any other institution of 
higher education.
  As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I am pleased to 
recognize the role HSIs play in the advancement of the Latino community 
and urge all my colleagues to show their support for HSIs today and in 
the coming months and years.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 561 
Recognizing the Contributions of Hispanic Serving Institutions. 
Hispanic Serving Institutions are an important link in our institutions 
of higher learning.
  It is the education provided by our colleges and universities upon 
which the future of our labor force and our economy depend. Hispanic 
Serving Institutions are the keyhole through which average students in 
Hispanic enclaves around the nation can unlock an education to prepare 
them for a career of professional work.
  Here are some of the successful Hispanic Serving institutions in my 
congressional district: Coastal Bend College, Del Mar College, South 
Texas Community College, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M-
Kingsville, Texas State Technical College, and the University of Texas 
at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. I want to offer my personal 
thanks to those institutions, and to their presidents and faculty, for 
the education that so many Hispanics have achieved at these great 
schools, these pillars of our economy.
  Hispanic Serving Institutions are an important tool in developing 
Hispanic talent in communities, which is an even more important tool in 
local economic development and prosperity. By focusing on institutions 
of higher education with a population of at least 25 percent Hispanic 
students, we have focused federal efforts on schools that can make the 
most difference in Hispanic communities.
  By further targeting schools with a high enrollment of disadvantaged 
students, and low general expenditures--and where 50 percent of 
Hispanic students are from low-income families--we are making maximum 
effort where the need is the greatest for young Hispanics trying to get 
an education.
  Mr. Speaker, Hispanic Heritage Month is an appropriate time for 
Congress to formally show our appreciation for the significance of 
Hispanic-serving institutions, and to commend these higher-education 
institutions for their commitment to academic excellence. Title V of 
the Higher Education Act strengthened the academic quality and 
financial stability of Hispanic-serving institutions and insured their 
longevity.
  I join my colleagues in supporting this resolution, which urges the 
president to issue a proclamation calling on the American people and 
interested groups to demonstrate support for Hispanic educational 
institutions during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
  We should be grateful for the people who created and nurtured this 
program; we are a stronger society for it. I urge the presidents and 
faculty of these institutions to continue recruiting, retaining and 
graduating students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.
  Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, it with great pride that I rise to 
recognize the extensive contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. 
The opportunity to go to college is one that many Americans take for 
granted because it has become an accepted norm for many families in our 
society. For too many Hispanic families, however, it is not the norm 
and for many it is even seen as an unattainable reality. The increase 
and development of HSIs is significantly changing that, however. At 
this very moment, nearly half a million Hispanic youth are studying at 
these 219 exceptional institutions and realizing the dreams of their 
grandparents. These young people will become critical actors in many 
parts of our society and will hopefully lead and inspire the next 
generation of Hispanic-Americans, so that going to college will become 
a norm, and not a rare privilege in our community. With steadfast 
support and dedication to the proliferation of HSIs, Hispanic parents 
attending their son's or daughter's college graduation will become a 
customary occurrence.
  An education revolution is necessary in this country for Hispanic and 
African-American youth to catch up to their peers. The key to 
increasing college enrollment for these communities lies in the 
reformation of elementary and secondary schools, where overcrowded 
classrooms, under-trained educators, limited resources, and social risk 
factors make academic success a near impossibility. However, along with 
working to improve these fundamental aspects of education, we must 
support an celebrate the accomplishments of HSIs, which allow students 
of exceptional aptitude the opportunity to succeed, no matter what 
barriers they may have encountered.
  Madam Speaker, when an institution is identified as an HSI, this 
means that this school is responsible for educating a large number of 
Hispanic students who come from economically adverse backgrounds. These 
schools successfully educate these young people and prepare them for 
fruitful careers in a myriad of professions. This is important work--
crucial work--and is worthy of unfailing support and commemoration. 
HSIs have helped to realize the dreams of generations and empower the 
entire Hispanic community.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 561.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.

[[Page H6828]]

  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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