[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H5889-H5894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT A NATIONAL 
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 928) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives that a National Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities Week should be established, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 928

       Whereas there are 103 historically Black colleges and 
     universities in the United States;
       Whereas historically Black colleges and universities 
     provide the quality education essential to full participation 
     in a complex, highly technological society;
       Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have a 
     rich heritage and have played a prominent role in the history 
     of the United States;
       Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have 
     allowed many underprivileged students to attain their full 
     potential through higher education;
       Whereas the achievements and goals of historically Black 
     colleges and universities are deserving of national 
     recognition; and
       Whereas the Senate, in S. Res. 528 passed on July 13, 2006, 
     designated the week beginning September 10, 2006, as 
     ``National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
     Week'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the achievements and goals of historically 
     Black colleges and universities in the United States;
       (2) supports the designation of an appropriate week as 
     ``National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
     Week''; and
       (3) requests the President to issue a proclamation 
     designating such a week, and calling on the people of the 
     United States and interested groups to observe such week with 
     appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to 
     demonstrate support for historically Black colleges and 
     universities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Louisiana.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 928.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Louisiana?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 928, recognizing the 
contributions

[[Page H5890]]

of Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and I want to thank 
the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), my colleague, 
for introducing this resolution. Ms. Johnson certainly recognizes the 
important role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities play 
in the postsecondary education environment.
  The HBCU community is extremely diverse. The community of 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities includes 2- and 4-year 
institutions, public and private institutions, as well as single sex 
and co-ed institutions. Even with this diversity of student body, 
geographical location and population served, the principal mission of 
all these institutions is unified, and that is to provide a quality 
education for African Americans. It is also important to remember that 
these institutions, in many instances, serve some of our most 
disadvantaged students.
  The contributions made by Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities deserve recognition. While comprising less than 3 percent 
of the Nation's 2- and 4-year institutions, Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities are responsible for producing a significant number of 
all bachelor's, master's and professional degrees earned by African 
Americans. In many instances, Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities do not have access to the resources or endowment income 
that other institutions can draw upon. Yet they are still able to 
provide quality education to an underserved population.
  Since 1995, we have worked to improve the Nation's support for 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Higher Education 
Amendments of 1998 made improvements to the programs designed to aid 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities in strengthening their 
institutions and graduate and professional programs. These changes 
included allowing institutions to use Federal money to build their 
endowments and to provide scholarships and fellowships for needy 
graduate and professional students.
  Between 1995 and 2006, congressional funding for the strengthening 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities program rose from $109 
million to $238 million, a 118 percent increase. And what is more, 
funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities graduate 
programs increased from $19.6 million to $57.9 million, an increase of 
195 percent.
  It is important that we pause to recognize the contributions of 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their graduates by 
celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. My State 
of Louisiana is home to five of such institutions: Grambling State 
University, Southern University A&M College, Southern University at New 
Orleans, Dillard University, and Xavier University. These institutions 
have dramatically improved the quality of life and economic 
opportunities on the gulf coast. These institutions provide valuable 
leadership and excellence in education, and they certainly should be 
commended.
  I was pleased to see that the White House Initiative on Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities is coordinating a 3-day national 
conference in September where they will continue to discuss the 
progress of gulf coast recovery efforts.
  I urge my colleagues to recognize the important contributions made by 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their graduates and to 
vote ``yes'' on this worthy resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. OWENS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the distinguished 
Member from Texas, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and all the cosponsors of 
this important legislation.
  I am quite pleased to be able to state, at this point, after my 23 
years in Congress, I will be retiring at the end of this year, that my 
association with Historically Black Colleges and Universities is one of 
the most uplifting experiences of my career.
  I came in 1986, early, and I am proud of the fact that it was as a 
result of bipartisan support that the Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities were funded for the first time by the Federal Government. 
So this designation today is not empty ceremonial action.
  I am pleased to support the congressional acknowledgement of the 
importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, but 
Congress has already done something to help these institutions. There 
is great substance behind this designation.
  Historically, Black Colleges and Universities will have the benefit 
of, have the designation of September 10, 2006, as National 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week as a result of this 
legislation. But I just want to highlight some of the things that 
Congress has already done before I yield to the sponsor of the bill.
  HBCUs continue to serve, as you said before, a critical role in our 
Nation; and HBCUs have had the support of Congress over the last 20 
years, since 1986.

                              {time}  1530

  In 1986, Black Colleges and Universities faced a time of significant, 
almost desperate, financial turmoil. Several old schools had been shut 
down by 1986. Of the approximately 4,000 such institutions of higher 
learning in America, all the institutions of higher learning, only 135 
both historic and predominantly black are black founded and 
administered, and at that time, only about 107 Historically Black 
Colleges existed.
  After conducting a hearing at Atlanta University, where 13 of these 
college presidents testified, the Owens title IIIB amendment received 
both authorization and appropriation in 1986. Since 1986, with the 
support of both parties, the Congress has provided $3.9 billion. I want 
to repeat: 3.9 billion has flowed as direct aid to black colleges. This 
is a wise investment for a small but vital sector of our much-needed 
accelerated mobilization for education.
  Later on, I will indicate some of the kinds of money that has been 
received by these colleges, one or two which would not still be in 
existence had they not had the Federal funding.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the passion he 
brings to this debate and for the hard work he has done to help 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Texas, the sponsor of the bill (Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be 
able to offer this resolution recognizing National Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities Week, and I want to thank Mr. Owens for all 
of his efforts over the years and thanks to all the cosponsors.
  For over 170 years, our Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
have been on the forefront of preparing our Nation's youth for a bright 
path and successful future. Many struggling, almost closing, and some 
did close, but determined to finish their mission.
  Originally founded for the purpose of providing educational 
opportunities for African Americans, HBCUs have profoundly changed the 
American economic and social climate. The fact is that until 1964, 
HBCUs represented one of the only opportunities African American 
students had to obtain a degree in higher education. HBCUs have changed 
the face of this Nation and have opened the doors for many generations 
of African American students.
  Today America's HBCUs continue to provide excellent educational 
opportunities for all Americans. Over 200,000 diverse students across 
the United States attend HBCUs today.
  I am proud to represent Paul Quinn College, the oldest historical 
black college west of the Mississippi River. For over 130 years, Paul 
Quinn has provided their student with the tools to become successful 
leaders. Because of their unique resources, HBCUs continue to be 
extremely effective in graduating African American students and 
preparing them to compete in the global economy. While they may start 
behind going into the college, they have always been able to compete 
equally and competitively on the graduate level. HBCU graduates over 
half of all American professionals, and 50 percent of all African 
American school teachers graduate from HBCUs. Additionally, the

[[Page H5891]]

Historically Black Colleges and Universities remain extremely 
successful in graduating African American Ph.D.s and scientists.
  The fact is that we cannot move forward as a country until all of our 
children have the opportunity to succeed academically. Each day, HBCUs 
help us bridge that achievement gap. Celebrated the week of September 
10, National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week allows 
us to reflect upon the impact these institutions have had on our 
history and to celebrate their continued commitment for outstanding 
education.
  I would like to thank the House leadership and the Education and the 
Workforce Committee for allowing me to bring this important resolution 
to the floor, and I request the support of all my colleagues of 
Resolution 928.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I commend the gentlewoman again for bringing this resolution to the 
floor.
  Let me just say that as we recover on the gulf coast, and I mentioned 
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in my home State of 
Louisiana, they played a vital role in the leadership in helping us 
recover.
  So, again, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for bringing this 
valuable resolution to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to just note the fact that as Congresswoman Johnson mentioned, 
the Paul Quinn College is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country. Since 
1996, they have received $15.753 million from title IIIB of the Higher 
Education Assistance Act, title IIIB, which funds HBCUs.
  Texas, in general, has received money for several colleges: Huston-
Tillotson, which is relatively small; Prairie View A&M University 
received $38 million since 1986; St. Phillip's College has received $42 
million since 1986. The largest of all rewards, I think, has been to 
the big Texas Southern University, which has received $47 million since 
1986.
  This is not an empty resolution, as I said before. Congress can be 
proud of the fact that it has been involved in maintaining these 
colleges, which were financially strapped in 1986 and still struggle 
financially.
  I think Alabama receives the most aid of the colleges. They have a 
long list. Alabama State University, $37 million; Alabama A&M 
University, $35 million. Miles College, I would like to note, is one of 
the colleges that was almost about to go under. Because my office in 
1986 and 1987 had many conversations with the administration of Miles 
College, and if there had not been a title IIIB funding, Miles College 
may not be here. They have received $21 million over the last 20 years. 
In Alabama, also, we have the smallest university that has received 
aid. I do not think they exist anymore. That is Selma University. They 
had received $3 million over the course of the funding period.
  Also, I think significant, in Florida the largest amount of money has 
been received by Florida A&M University; $59.268 million has been 
received. Georgia does very well with Albany State College, $31 
million; Clark Atlanta University, $33 million. These are relatively 
small colleges that are known throughout the whole country. Morehouse 
College, $25 million; and Spelman College, $26 million.
  In Louisiana, as mentioned before, most of these colleges receiving 
aid from title IIIB were colleges affected by Katrina and the 
subsequent flood: Dillard University, over the years, has received 
$25.846 million; Grambling State University, $47.179 million; Southern 
University, $24 million; Southern University A&M College, $57 million; 
Southern University at New Orleans, $34 million; and Xavier University, 
$31 million.
  So I think we have certainly supported those colleges up to date, and 
they need extra help, as everybody knows, now.
  We also have Virginia, which has done very well: Hampton University, 
which had one of the largest private endowments, has still received $33 
million; Norfolk State University, $44 million; and Virginia State 
University, $30 million.
  So we have an impressive record over the 20-year period of title IIIB 
funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. And I will 
submit this list for the Record.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me just, first of all, thank 
the gentleman from New York for yielding. And I also want to thank and 
commend the gentlewoman from Texas for her introduction of this 
resolution. I want to commend the gentleman from New York because for 
as long as I have been a Member of Congress, he has been the chief 
spokesperson for the Congressional Black Caucus on issues of higher 
education.
  Mr. Owens, you have represented us well and done an outstanding job, 
and I commend you.
  This is one of the most delightful moments that I have had since I 
have been a Member of Congress because had it not been for a 
Historically Black College, I would not be here. There is no doubt in 
my mind. I left home on my 16th birthday to attend what was then 
Arkansas A&M College at Pine Bluff, which is now the University of 
Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Following me were six of my brothers and 
sisters who also attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 
Three nephews, one niece, and a half dozen first cousins.
  We lived in the southeast corner of the State, which was a rural area 
in Arkansas. The money that Representative Owens talked about is so 
important because when I got there, I had $20 in my pocket and a $50 
scholarship. The scholarship, of course, was good as long as you 
maintained a B average, and if you ever fell below, then you no longer 
had the $50 scholarship.
  It was not uncommon for friends of mine and myself to actually skip 
classes on light days and go out and pick cotton so that we would have 
money to purchase our books.
  So the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as all black 
colleges and universities, have played a significant role. They provide 
a rich heritage and lay the foundation for men and women of color. 
W.E.B. Du Bois, who is considered the father of sociology due to his 
thesis called the ``Study of the Philadelphia Negro,'' is a product of 
Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, a Historically Black College. 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., all of his eloquence and analysis of 
social problems came from his experiences not only in the black church, 
but also came from the education that he received at Morehouse, located 
in Atlanta, Georgia, a Historically Black College.
  Thurgood Marshall, the first black Chief Justice of the United States 
Supreme Court, is the product of Lincoln University in Chester, 
Pennsylvania, which is historically known as the first Historically 
Black College founded in 1854.
  These institutions are not only necessary for individuals who come 
from certain economic backgrounds, but they contain a great deal of the 
history and culture. So when Representative Owens talks about how 
important the money is that we have been able to provide for them, many 
of them provide the kind of nurturing environment that students often 
cannot get from a big university. So they get the special help.
  This, Mr. Owens, and the work that you have done and the introduction 
of this resolution by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson make all of 
the work that we do to try to keep these institutions alive and 
vibrant.
  And I also want to thank my CBCF intern, who is currently attending 
Fisk University, Dante Pope, and is a singer with the renowned Fisk 
Jubilee Singers, who traveled all over the world to raise money so that 
Fisk could continue to exist.
  I thank all of those who will support this resolution.

                              {time}  1545

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, I will comment on Mr. Davis' comments about going to the 
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Since 1986, the University of 
Arkansas at Pine Bluff has received $31 million from the title IIIB 
congressional funding, and I think that his story is a story of many of 
my generation.

[[Page H5892]]

  I was a child in a family of eight. Our father worked in a furniture 
factory as a laborer. He never made more than minimum wage, and I think 
the minimum wage at that time was less than $3. He was often laid off. 
We were very poor, and I had determined that I would never go to 
college.
  I was a lucky one. The Ford Foundation had an experiment at that time 
going where they would allow youngsters who had talent to take a test, 
and they could come out of college even from the 10th or 11th grade and 
get 2 years of college before they were eligible for the Korean War 
draft. The Korean War draft was under way at that time, and they were 
going to give bright youngsters a chance to get at least 2 years of 
college.
  I took the test, and I had all of my expenses paid to Morehouse 
College in Atlanta, Georgia. For the first 2 years, all of my expenses 
were paid, and I was on a partial scholarship for the second 2 years.
  But that was a pattern which was not experienced by most of my 
colleagues at college. They had to struggle much harder to maintain 
themselves. Tuition was kept very low. The entire regimen of the 
college understood the students were poor and was geared to many of the 
problems that we had financially at home and the problems we had coming 
from schools that often had not prepared us for college work. So it is 
just personal experience that is certainly very relevant here.
  I would like to note that at the time of the funding for the 
Historically Black Colleges title IIIB, I said that these few jewels in 
the crown all deserve to be preserved. The fact that there are only 135 
Historically Black Colleges of 170 total black colleges in the United 
States right now, in a constellation of 4,000, they deserve to be 
preserved, and they serve a great purpose.
  Such schools before 1986 were welcome to apply for competitive higher 
education grants, but they had to compete with Harvard, Yale and 4,000 
other institutions. There was no direct channel for Federal funding to 
this special category. The historic and unique struggle for the 
creation and maintenance of such schools was accorded no official 
recognition.
  Fortunately, we went to Atlanta and had a hearing. As a result of 
that hearing, 13 college presidents testified; and we won the support 
of the Education and Labor Committee members and later on the support 
of members of the Appropriations Committee. In that very same year, 
1986, we authorized and had an appropriation which started the process 
of funding the Historically Black Colleges.
  I will submit for the Record a statement prepared for the National 
Association of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education along with my list 
of actual funding for each college.

 [Statement from National Association for Equal Opportunity In Higher 
                               Education]

                 Our Champion: Congressman Major Owens

       Congressman Major Owens has been a tremendous champion for 
     blacks in higher education and has served a distinguished 24-
     year congressional tenure. Elected to the United States House 
     of Representatives in 1982 from New York's 11th Congressional 
     District. Representative Owens is a member of the vitally 
     necessary Education and the Workforce Committee, which guides 
     all Federal involvement in education, job training, labor 
     law, employee safety and pensions, programs for the aging and 
     people with disabilities, and equal employment opportunities. 
     As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Education and Civil 
     Rights for six years, Representative Owens' record for 
     passing legislation was second only in New York to Adam 
     Clayton Powell.
       In 1986, Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
     (HBCUs) faced a time of significant financial turmoil. 
     Several old schools had been forced to shut down. Of the 
     approximately 4 thousand U.S. institutions of higher learning 
     only 107 had been established specifically to educate Blacks 
     and most were located in the South.
       ``These few jewels in the crown all deserve to be 
     preserved,'' counseled Congressman Major Owens, the only 
     graduate of an HBCU (Morehouse College, '56) on the Education 
     and Labor Committee. While such schools were welcomed to 
     apply for competitive higher education grants along with 
     Harvard, Yale and the four thousand other institutions, there 
     was no direct channel for Federal funding to this special 
     category. The historic and unique struggle for the creation 
     and maintenance of such schools was accorded no official 
     recognition. When Congressman Owens offered Title IIIB as a 
     modest but vital possible funding stream, the first obstacle 
     encountered was a gross lack of familiarity in Washington.
       Fortunately, then Chairman of the Education and Labor 
     Committee, Augustus Hawkins, was curious and supportive and 
     agreed to allow Owens to hold a hearing in Atlanta, Georgia, 
     at Atlanta University's Robert W. Woodruff Library. The first 
     witness was then mayor of Atlanta, Andy Young. The presidents 
     of thirteen other Southern Black colleges followed Mr. Young 
     in testifying. Chairman Hawkins and other Education and Labor 
     Committee members became enthusiastic converts following that 
     historic session. Beyond the expectations of Congressman 
     Owens there was a smooth passage of the authorizing 
     legislation with five graduate schools added to the original 
     list. As a major force on the Appropriations Committee, 
     Congressman Lou Stokes obtained an immediate appropriation. 
     Funds are disbursed on the basis of a formula and every HBCU 
     is guaranteed an annual allocation.
       Since the passage of the legislation in 1986, HBCUs went 
     from zero dollars in Federal funding to receiving a total of 
     $3,988,099,314.00 billion dollars. In his year of retirement, 
     Congressman Owens has worked diligently to introduce 
     legislation that would afford Predominately Black 
     Institutions similar support to other Title IIIA schools.
       Congressman Owens has been a stalwart guardian and advocate 
     of predominately and historically black colleges and 
     universities throughout his congressional tenure. He is the 
     leader of the CBC's Braintrust on Education and in this 
     regard has been and continues to be the opinion shaper on 
     higher education issues impacting Black America. The entire 
     Nation owes him a great deal of gratitude for keeping 
     important issues regarding black colleges and blacks in 
     higher education at the center of the national education 
     policy debate. As Congressman Owens completes his final term, 
     we commend and honor him for his tremendous contributions to 
     the black higher education community. Thank you, Mr. Owens!

   HBCU GRANT AWARDS--ALL YEARS (PROVIDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 
                               EDUCATION)

       Name and total award:


                                   AL

       Alabama A&M University, $35,025,655.
       Alabama State University, $37,542,317.
       Bishop State Community College--Carver, $8,735,616.
       Bishop State Community College--Main, $26,169,993.
       Concordia College, $11,346,530.
       Drake State Technical College, $10,042,970.
       Gadsden State Community College, $4,000,000.
       Lawson State Community College, $21,071,295.
       Miles College, $21,329,445.
       Oakwood College, $22,003,819.
       Selma University, $3,812,613.
       Shelton State Community College--Fredd, $10,796,218.
       Stillman College, $21,147,196.
       Talladega College, $22,110,197.
       Trenholm State Technical College, $15,591,117.
       Tuskegee Institute, $27,846,409.
       Tuskegee Institute/School of Veterinary Medicine, 
     $27,846,409.


                                   AR

       Arkansas Baptist College, $12,014,978.
       Philander Smith College, $20,686,358.
       Shorter College, $4,600,000.
       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff, $31,215,415.


                                   CA

       Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School, $31,215,415.


                                   DC

       University of the District of Columbia, $14,154,703.


                                   DE

       Delaware State College, $22,548,466.


                                   FL

       Bethune-Cookman College, $28,805,940.
       Edward Waters College, $17,018,109.
       Florida A & M University, $59,268,976.
       Florida Memorial College, $27,232,176.


                                   GA

       Albany State College, $31,594,007.
       Clark Atlanta University, $33,405,088.
       Clark College, $1,910,402.
       Fort Valley State College, $27,642,764.
       Morehouse College, $25,258,383.
       Morehouse School of Medicine, $25,258,383
       Morris Brown College, $18,302,808.
       Paine College, $17,802,444.
       Savannah State College, $30,008,363.
       Spelman College, $26,518,676.


                                   KY

       Kentucky State University, $24,646,607


                                   LA

       Dillard University, $25,846,205.
       Grambling State University, $47,179,192.
       Southern University--Shreveport, $24,513,595.
       Southern University A&M College, $57,825,446.
       Southern University at New Orleans, $34,052,351.
       Xavier University (LA), $31,083,299.


                                   MD

       Bowie State College, $27,868,586.
       Coppin State College, $26,592,478.
       Morgan State University, $39,864,381.
       U. of Maryland at Eastern Shore, $24,913,973.

[[Page H5893]]

                                   MI

       Lewis College of Business, $8,600,000.


                                   MO

       Harris Stowe State University, $16,561,308.
       Lincoln University (MO), $22,686,379.


                                   MS

       Alcorn State University, $31,713,845.
       Coahoma Junior College, $20,371,062.
       Hinds Community College--Utica, $17,332,613.
       Jackson State University, $49,271,302.
       Mary Holmes College, $7,373,526.
       Mississippi Valley State University, $29,887,936.
       Rust College, $18,899,685.
       Tougaloo College, $27,068,054.


                                   NC

       Barber-Scotia College, $10,257,592.
       Bennett College, $21,724,937.
       Elizabeth City State University, $23,121,455.
       Fayetteville State University, $30,642,331.
       Johnson C. Smith University, $21,726,429.
       Livingstone College, $17,552,027.
       North Carolina A&T State University, $41,453,835.
       North Carolina Central University, $33,105,047.
       Saint Augustine's College, $20,257,510.
       Shaw University, $25,273,249.
       Winston-Salem State University, $30,923,188.


                                   OH

       Central State University, $23,180,576.
       Wilberforce University, $17,022,616.


                                   OK

       Langston University, $33,625,920.


                                   PA

       Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, $18,145,471.
       Lincoln University (PA), $20,185,526.


                                   SC

       Allen University, $11,285,912.
       Benedict College, $26,898,694.
       Claflin College, $21,109,208.
       Clinton Junior College, $2,500,000.
       Denmark Technical College, $18,814,336.
       Morris College, $19,589,202.
       South Carolina State College, $34,425,031.
       Voorhees College, $18,607,148.


                                   TN

       Fisk University, $21,687,270.
       Knoxville College, $6,060,849.
       Knoxville College/Morristown Campus, $2,200,000.
       Lane College, $19,874,712.
       Lemoyne Owens College, $17,950,926.
       Meharry Medical School, $17,950,926.
       Tennessee State University, $44,357,510.


                                   TX

       Huston-Tillotson College, $20,628,663.
       Jarvis Christian College, $12,074,442.
       Paul Quinn College, $15,753,746.
       Prairie View A&M University, $38,062,884.
       Southwestern Christian College, $8,600,000.
       St. Phillip's College, $42,621,299.
       Texas College, $12,617,407.
       Texas Southern University, $47,668,765.
       Wiley College, $12,716,011.


                                   VA

       Hampton University, $33,604,102.
       Norfolk State University, $44,940,874.
       St. Paul's College, $12,022,412.
       Virginia State University, $30,584,815.
       Virginia Union University, $21,436,802.
       Virginia University of Lynchburg, $1,000,000.


                                   VI

       University of Virgin Islands, $18,468,085.


                                   WV

       Bluefield State College, $25,888,689.
       West Virginia State College, $27,965,546.

  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown).
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support 
of Ms. Johnson's bill, House Resolution 928. This bill, which expresses 
the sense of the House of Representatives that our Nation adopt a week 
each year to honor our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, is a measure that would serve as an outstanding tribute 
to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
  There are four HBCUs in the State of Florida: Florida Memorial in 
Miami; Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, of 
which I am a graduate; Edward College, which is in the heart of my 
district; and Bethune Cookman College, a great institution in Daytona 
Beach, a school I work very closely with.
  The importance and the outstanding work HBCUs do around the country 
is most noteworthy. In addition to educating African American students 
nationwide, they provide resources for our communities, such as 
mentoring and tutoring programs for our youth.
  Nationwide, HBCUs enroll 14 percent of all African American students 
in higher education, even though they make up just 3 percent of our 
Nation's 4,000 institutions of higher education. HBCUs have awarded 
master's degrees and first professional degrees to about one in every 
six African American men and women, and awarded 24 percent of all 
baccalaureate degrees earned by African Americans nationwide.
  I commend Ms. Johnson in her efforts on behalf of the Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities, and I strongly support House passage 
of this bill.
  I also want to commend you, Mr. Ranking Member and Mr. Education, for 
all the work that you have done to help black colleges throughout the 
years. I do know that we have representatives on the Hill today, and 
they have been so important working with black colleges. I want to 
welcome them to their Capitol.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to comment that I have a statement here 
called ``Black Colleges: Tiny But Still Jewels in the Crown,'' which I 
would like to submit also for the Record, which talks about the role 
that black colleges play in the larger need for an overall national 
mobilization for education.
  I again want to thank the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson, and the other sponsors and cosponsors of this important bill, 
which in recognizing Historically Black Colleges and Universities will 
recognize the contribution that black colleges can make in general to 
higher education throughout America

      [From the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Newsletter]

           Black Colleges: Tiny But Still Jewels in the Crown

                          (By Major R. Owens)

       In 1986 Black colleges and universities faced a time of 
     significant, almost desperate, financial turmoil. Several old 
     schools had been shut down. Of the approximately four 
     thousand such U.S. institutions of higher learning only abut 
     135 are Black founded and administered. After conducting a 
     hearing in Atlanta University, where thirteen college 
     presidents testified, the Owens' title IIIB amendment 
     received support for both authorization and appropriation. 
     Since 1986, with the support of both parties, the Congress 
     has provided 3.9 billion dollars in direct aid to Black 
     colleges. This is a wise investment for a small but vital 
     sector in our much needed accelerated mobilization for 
     education.
       Our nation must more fervently embrace its duty to the 
     mission of indispensable leadership for our earth 
     civilization. Education must be at the core of the 
     comprehensive plan, strategy, mobilization which accomplishes 
     this vital goal. Economic competitiveness, cultural 
     creativity, governance genius, freedom of outlook, the 
     determination to pursue happiness, stubbornness in philosophy 
     and ideology, and the continuing commitment to the spiritual 
     and moral belief that we are born to serve a purpose beyond 
     day-to-day individual survival; these are objectives which 
     cannot be achieved without a massive and ongoing dynamic 
     emphasizing education.
       Military shock and awe can defend us from fanatics and 
     guarantee that we never lose a violent war. Winning, 
     prevailing in the effort to keep humankind moving more 
     rapidly away from our savage animal roots toward a paradise 
     on earth can be achieved only if we accept education as the 
     heart and blood of our political and social body. Aspiring 
     toward such a healthy national physique must make use of 
     every organ and resource we possess. The brainpower in our 
     inner cities and poor rural areas we can no longer allow to 
     be wasted. Like the small veins in the heart or the tiny 
     hormone producing glands in the throat, Black colleges have 
     an unseen but critical role to play.
       The brainpower deposited among the uneducated poor and 
     minorities is the great untapped human resource of America. 
     To better recognize the need for this resource consider the 
     following: A generally accepted barometer of degrees of 
     global competitiveness is the size of a nation's ``middle 
     class.'' Beyond mere income, ``middle class'' should be 
     defined as the segment of society able to earn a decent 
     living for themselves and also capable of contributing 
     something of value to society. Those who are not in this 
     class would be persons lacking the capacity to support 
     themselves and even in extreme cases becoming dysfunctional 
     threats to society. Of its 1.2 billion populace China is 
     predicted to have one fourth or 300 million people in its 
     middle class by the end of this decade. India will have the 
     same number or more--and they speak English. Add the very 
     potent middle classes of Russia, Japan and Europe and you 
     will see an overwhelming imbalance against the potential 
     middle class of the United States. These are the workers who 
     will be our well-prepared competitors in the global market-
     place. These ``middle class'' citizens will challenge our 
     present lead in hi-tech products and services.
       Consider the following:
       Our total population is only 300 million. To maintain a 
     position of global competitiveness our entire populace must 
     become ``middle class.'' Japan and Ireland have achieved

[[Page H5894]]

     this level. It is not an impossibility but a massive 
     education mobilization must be mounted for the U.S. to catch 
     up. And one great untapped brainpower resource is in the 
     Black community. Black colleges and universities can be the 
     catalysts for saving and developing this diamond mine.
       Republican and Democratic bi-partisan support for Black 
     colleges over the last twenty years has paid off and this 
     investment could yield far more profitable results if we 
     expand it.

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings).
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from 
Louisiana. I appreciate it very much.
  I just rise to thank Major Owens for his steadfastness, not only in 
this particular area but in the area of education generally. The time 
is coming when Major will not shepherd any longer any of these 
measures, but certainly all of us are grateful to him.
  Also, I am grateful to my classmate and colleague for bringing this 
legislation to the floor. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I can join the 
list. I heard Danny Davis, my good friend from Illinois, speak of his 
experiences.
  In 1953, I left Sanford, Florida, on a train for Nashville to attend 
Fisk University, one of the Historically Black Colleges that has been 
recognized. I left there and came here to Howard University and left 
there and went to Florida A&M University, where I achieved my JD 
degree.
  Ms. Brown, my colleague and classmate, spoke momentarily about 
Florida's schools. I have taught at Florida Memorial, been a Board of 
Trustee member at Bethune, and I am a graduate of Florida A&M 
University.
  If it were not for those Historically Black Colleges, I would not be 
here. That may be something that a lot of people wish didn't happen, 
but it happened, and I am proud of it, and I thank my colleagues.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all my colleagues on the other side of 
the aisle for the hard work that they are doing to ensure that all 
Americans have access to education. I urge my colleagues to recognize 
the important contributions made by Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities and their graduates and to vote ``yes'' on this worthy 
resolution.
  Mr. JEFFERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak in support of 
establishing a National Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Week. I am not only the product of an HBCU--Southern A&M College in 
Baton Rouge--but I represent three of these colleges in my district, 
Xavier, Dillard and Southern University in New Orleans.
  These universities are the leaders in Louisiana in graduating 
African-Americans. Xavier graduates more black pharmacists than any 
university in the country and has a near 100 percent bar passage rate. 
The university also sends more African-Americans than any other 
university to medical school. Dillard University is nationally known 
for its nursing program and Southern University educates nearly 100 
percent New Orleans residents who may not have received a college 
degree if SUNO was not open. These universities, as well as the other 
schools in the Southern University system and Grambling State 
University, have been vital in producing the best and brightest 
African-Americans in the American workforce. For their work in 
educating African-American students for over 100 years and their 
continued need for those who may not have the opportunity to go to 
college otherwise, they certainly should be recognized.
  The Historically black institutions in my district were the hardest 
hit of our university system in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. 
SUNO is operating out of a trailer campus and Dillard will reopen this 
spring in the Hilton Hotel again. And all of the universities are 
struggling to recruit and retain students. We need the continued 
support of Congress to recognize the importance of these institutions 
in our community. Graduates of these universities often stay in New 
Orleans to work as teachers, doctors, or nurses in underserved 
communities because they want to give back to the community in which 
they have fostered an education. We need this to continue. Furthermore, 
these universities are critical to the recovery of our professional 
workforce in New Orleans. We could not rebuild our community without 
the support of the students who come to learn in our city or the 
professors who commit to stay in our city.
  This resolution is important to me personally because without 
Southern A&M College, I might not be here today. But beyond that, the 
continued need for the opportunity that HBCU's provide and the local 
need for these universities to be involved in the recovery of the Gulf 
Coast region makes this resolution even more timely and necessary and I 
encourage all of my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 928, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________