[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITIES IN 
             SOUTH CAROLINA'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
the Historically Black College and Universities of the Second District 
of South Carolina. Benedict College, South Carolina State University 
and Claflin University serve more than 10,000 minority students seeking 
a better future for themselves and their families through education.
  I've personally had the chance to visit many of these institutions 
and have seen firsthand what a tremendous job they are doing in 
preparing our youth for the future. I have proudly cosponsored 
legislation to strengthen minority-serving institutions and help to 
break down barriers that currently prevent some students from pursuing 
their dreams through education. I have also cosponsored bills to assist 
minority-serving institutions as they participate in graduate programs 
under the Higher Education Act, as well as international and foreign 
language studies programs.
  Republicans in Congress have recognized the value of schools like 
Benedict, SCSU, and Claflin and have increased funding by 96 percent 
and by 172 percent for Historically Black Graduate Institutions (HBGIs) 
since 1995. This year, HBCUs received $214 million and the HBGI program 
received $53.4 million. The House-passed spending measure for next year 
adds another $10 million for HBCUs, bringing funding to nearly $225 
million.
  And earlier this year the House approved legislation, the Ready to 
Teach Act, to strengthen the nation's teacher training programs, 
including creation of ``Centers of Excellence'' at minority-serving 
institutions to bolster teacher quality and training.
  The strong leadership provided by Presidents Dr. David Holmes Swinton 
of Benedict College, Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. of South Carolina State 
University, and Dr. Henry N. Tisdale of Claflin University combined 
with Congress' commitment to increase access to college for all 
Americans will ensure a brighter future for the students of South 
Carolina's Second District.

                          ____________________