[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1314-E1315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 295--TO REAUTHORIZE THE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES 
             AND UNIVERSITIES HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 295, to 
Reauthorize the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic 
Preservation Program.
  H.R. 295 would authorize the appropriation of $10 million annually 
from 2017 through 2023 for the Historic Preservation Fund to provide 
aids for the restoration and preservation of historic structures at 
Historical Black Colleges (HBCUs).
  As a member of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus which 
promotes and protects the interest of HBCUs by: creating a national 
dialogue, educating Members of Congress and their staffs about the 
issues impacting HBCUs, drafting meaningful bipartisan legislation to 
address the needs of HBCUs, and supporting students and graduates of 
HBCUs by increasing access and career opportunities.
  The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Preservation Program 
works to preserve, and stabilize historic structures on HBCU campuses 
through projects such as structural stabilization, repairing damaged 
masonry, replacing antiquated electrical and plumbing systems, abating 
environmental hazards such as asbestos, repairing termite damage, 
fixing leaking roofs.
  Too much of the history of African Americans has been lost due to it 
not being considered important enough to note by historians outside of 
the community, and the fact that much of it is held in the records of 
black churches that may have been destroyed by arson.
  This is why the HBCU preservation project is so important.
  Since 2009, no funds have been appropriated for this program to 
support the preservation and stabilization of HBCU structures.
  Just as I have supported previous efforts to preserve and repair 
HBCUs, I also support this measure to reauthorize the Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation program.
  I stand with and thank my colleague Representative James Clyburn for 
the introduction on this important bill, which encapsulates the 
sentiments I have about the importance of Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities.
  I am proud to count Texas Southern University as an institution 
within my constituency, a great HBCU--located in my Houston, Texas 
Congressional District.
  Texas Southern University has a rich history with nine academic 
units, 1,000 dedicated staff members, and over 9,200 esteemed students.
  I have continuously partnered with Texas Southern University (TSU) to 
promote education opportunities and collaborate on community projects.
  I led the initiative to get more than $13 million in Financial Aid 
Relief for the students and campus of Texas Southern University.
  I continue to keep the TSU university community informed about major 
issues impacting

[[Page E1315]]

citizens within the 18th congressional district and throughout the U.S.
  For example, I initiated the digitization projects for former U.S. 
Members of Congress Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, both of whom have 
permanent archives at Texas Southern University.
  I helped established the Barbara Jordan Medallion to be awarded each 
year at a ceremony held at Texas Southern University to an individual 
who advocates for the community.
  I also assisted with the establishment of several scholarship 
Endowments at Texas Southern University.
  I created a partnership with Comcast at TSU's School of 
Communication, which offers scholarships, internships and in-kind 
marketing.
  I established the Center for Transportation, Training and Research in 
TSU's College of Science, Engineering, and Technology.
  HBCUs have worked diligently to be where they are today.
  Martin Luther King once said,

       The function of education is to teach one to think 
     intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus 
     character--that is the goal of true education.

  Since the 1980s and continuing for more than 25 years, the National 
Park Service has awarded over $40 million in matching grants and $15 
million in earmarked grants to more than 80 Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities (HBCUs) to assist them in repairing historic buildings 
on their campuses.
  On September 18, 2009, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar 
announced the 20 HBCUs that were the beneficiaries of historic 
preservation grants aimed at providing assistance in the repair of 
historic buildings on their campuses.
  President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment 
Act to jump-start our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put 
a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country 
can thrive in the 21st century.
  Included in this act was $15 million that was competitively awarded 
to HBCUs for the preservation of campus buildings listed in the 
National Register of Historic Places.
  HBCUs do not just educate--HBCUs have and will continue to fill an 
important role in education opportunity and engagement for millions of 
young people from diverse backgrounds.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 295, to support 
Reauthorization of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
Historic Preservation Program.

                          ____________________