[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 192 (Tuesday, December 3, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H9212-H9219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN SUPPORT OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2019, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to be here this evening to 
address a very important topic. I rise to advocate, along with my 
colleagues who have come, for the 300,000 students that attend our 
Nation's historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs.
  As Congress looks to agree on a funding agreement for fiscal year 
2020, we must keep in mind our Nation's 102 HBCUs that specialize in 
providing opportunity for low-income, first-generation African American 
students.
  When I entered Congress, one of my first tasks when I got here was to 
launch the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus to bring greater 
attention to the issues that affect HBCUs and their students. I did so 
because more than anything I know the importance of HBCUs, not only in 
the African American community, but for our economy as a whole.
  For more than 150 years, HBCUs have paved a way where there is no way 
for America's most talented Black minds. Despite discrimination and 
neglect, HBCUs have continued to pull above their weight. We know the 
facts and the figures, but it never hurts to repeat them.
  HBCUs produce 27 percent of all African American STEM graduates; 40 
percent of all African American engineers; 50 percent of all African 
American lawyers; 50 percent of all African American public school 
teachers; and 80 percent of all African American judges; despite only 
educating 10 percent of all African American college students.
  In my home State of North Carolina, we have 10 HBCUs currently 
operating and educating over 33,000 students: Bennett College; 
Elizabeth City State University; Fayetteville State University; Johnson 
C. Smith University--in my congressional district; Livingstone College; 
the North Carolina A&T State University, which is my alma mater and the 
largest public HBCU that produces African American engineers and the 
largest public HBCU in the Nation; along with North Carolina Central 
University; Saint Augustine's University; Shaw University; and last but 
not least, Winston-Salem State University.
  They make a total of $1.7 billion of economic impact in the State, 
supporting over 15,000 jobs and guaranteeing for their graduates $20.7 
billion in lifetime earnings.
  They are more than a worthy investment for this body and for our 
State legislatures back home. And over the last 50 years, Congress has 
taken strides to correct for the historic lack of engagement and 
investment in these schools that contribute so much.
  When enacted in 1965, the Higher Education Act represented the 
Federal Government's first recognition of the important mission that 
HBCUs serve. The HEA of 1965 first authorized Title III Institutional 
Aid, which is the key program that supports academic quality, 
institutional management, and financial stability at HBCUs.
  Through multiple reauthorizations, Congress has sought to strengthen 
and to supplement this law by providing low-interest loans for schools 
to make infrastructure improvements. And, yes, by authorizing mandatory 
funding to help HBCUs prepare students for STEM careers, a mission that 
is sorely needed in a workforce that screams for diversity and 
inclusion.
  So tonight, Madam Speaker, we will hear from this body's most 
tireless advocates for HBCUs and our students, many of whom are members 
of the HBCU Caucus, which now includes almost 100 Members of the House 
and Senate, and many of whom are alums of our Nation's HBCUs, and many 
of my colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus, because we know 
firsthand what these schools mean to an aspiring student of color 
looking at education as a ticket to the middle class.

  Madam Speaker, I stand tonight as a living testament to the necessity 
and to the importance of HBCUs. My mother, who raised me, was not an 
educated woman. She wasn't able to obtain a high school education and 
certainly not to attend an HBCU or any CU for that matter. But she 
understood how important education would be in my life.
  My mom did domestic work. She cleaned other folks' houses for many 
years so I wouldn't have to do that. But like those visionaries who 
founded these schools after surviving the horrors of slavery, my mother 
dreamed of a better future for me as her daughter. And when I could not 
fully recognize the potential in myself, it was an HBCU in North 
Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, that saw something in me 
and made a committed investment towards my success.
  A&T gave a poor, Black girl from the ghetto of Newark, New Jersey, an 
opportunity, because that school believed in opportunity and the 
fundamental importance of education that W.E.B. Du Bois spoke about. 
When he said, ``Of all of the civil rights for which the world has 
struggled and fought for 500 years, the right to learn is undoubtedly 
the most fundamental.''
  That HBCU took me from where they found me and got me to where I 
needed to be. They shaped and molded me into what they knew I could 
become, just as all of our schools have for millions of Americans since 
the founding of the first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 
1836.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.  
 David Scott).
  Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman 
Adams. Let me just commend her as our leader of the HBCU Caucus up 
here. She does a marvelous job, and it is a pleasure to work with her. 
And I know all the people of North Carolina are very proud of the 
leadership that she is providing.
  Madam Speaker, this is a particular honor for me, because I stand 
here as a premier example of why our historically Black colleges and 
universities are so important.
  When I graduated from high school, my mother and father had no money. 
I got a job washing dishes in a Daytona Beach hotel, and the people of 
Daytona Beach, Florida, got together and raised $350, and they said, 
``Here, go to the college of your choice.'' And thank God there was a 
Florida A&M University. And you know what, Madam Speaker? Florida A&M 
was on the trimester system. And guess what it cost for one trimester? 
$350.
  God is wonderful. And God has blessed this Nation because we have a 
Florida A&M, a Tuskegee, a North Carolina A&T, a Fort Valley, a 
Tennessee State. All of these great institutions to get a way out of no 
way for folks just like me.
  That is why this is important. I wouldn't be in Congress today if it 
weren't for Florida A&M University,

[[Page H9213]]

because that is why I wanted to tell how I got here. And I wouldn't 
have been able to meet my loving partner and wife, Alfredia, had it not 
been for Florida A&M University.
  So what I am saying is: our historically Black universities have 
provided the foundation for the Black family structure. That is where 
you meet your wife. And I will tell you what, we took a survey one 
time, and those individuals that met their wives at college last a long 
time. And that is what is so important, in addition to the great 
education that we have.
  And I just want to say, also while I am here, of the great 
achievement that we Members of the Congressional Black Caucus achieved, 
a historical event, $80 million in scholarships for the 19 African 
American land-grant colleges and universities, a bipartisan historic 
effort. And you know what, Madam Speaker, it is in the farm bill now. 
Five years from now it will come back. And we have laid the foundation 
to make it a permanent appropriation. That is our goal. This floor is 
crowded with African Americans who have helped make this dream a 
reality.
  I am very grateful for all that our colleges have done. And I just 
want to say thank God for our historically Black colleges and 
universities. And thank Ms. Adams.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank gentleman from Georgia.
  And he is absolutely right, HBCUs take you where they find you and 
mold and shape you.
  I had the privilege to serve on the faculty and to serve as an 
administrator at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, for 40 
years. So the thousands of students that I had an opportunity to impact 
certainly have made a lasting impact on me.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. 
Clyburn), our very capable whip.
  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chair of the HBCU 
Caucus for yielding to me this evening.
  Madam Speaker, we usually approach almost everything in this body by 
looking at the economic impact that it may have on the budget, on our 
economy, and sometimes on just a small community.
  So let's take a look at the economic impact that HBCUs have on our 
Nation's economy: $15 billion annually goes into the national economy 
as a result of the more than 100 HBCUs that exist in the country. These 
colleges provide pathways of opportunity for millions of Americans, 
many of whom are first-generation college students.
  So investing in HBCUs is something that could be very important for 
our Nation. And that is why I am a little bit concerned tonight that 
the FUTURE Act, a piece of legislation that passed this House 
unanimously, is now sitting in the Senate. We made some attempt when we 
passed this current continuing resolution to attach that act to the 
continuing resolution, but for some reason, the Senate, in its wisdom, 
has decided not to attach that deal to the continuing resolution.

                              {time}  1945

  This continuing resolution will expire on December 20. I have no idea 
what we will do after that to fund the budget. Will there be another 
continuing resolution? Will we do an omnibus? Will we do a series of 
minibuses?
  Whatever the vehicle may be, I call upon the Senate tonight to attach 
the FUTURE Act to whatever the next vehicle may be because HBCU's 
funding of $255 million under title III is wrapped into that act. If it 
is not enacted, we will see many of these colleges and universities 
lose their funding.
  Irrespective of what the economic impact might be, I want to spend a 
few minutes talking about the personal, human impact of HBCUs.
  Our illustrious chair of the task force, as mentioned, graduated from 
North Carolina A&T. She graduated two times, as a student and as a 
professor.
  I often tell the story of someone most people in this country either 
knew or knew about, Ronald McNair.
  Ron McNair was from the little town of Lake City, South Carolina, in 
my congressional district. I just happen to have a congressional 
district that contains seven HBCUs.
  Ron and I were pretty good friends, and as he was about to go up in 
his final, fatal flight, he stopped by my office. We talked that day 
because he was talking with the people at the University of South 
Carolina, who were hopeful that when this flight was over, he would be 
joining their faculty. Well, we all know that it was a fatal flight.
  Ron said something to me on that day that I talk about very often. He 
said to me: Every time I go someplace to speak or am in attendance, 
people always talk about my Ph.D. in physics from MIT, but that is not 
what made the difference in my life.
  He said to me that when he left Lake City, South Carolina, and Carver 
High School, he went to North Carolina A&T. It was on that campus that 
those professors who had similar backgrounds and experiences that he 
had, who understood what it was to come from a little rural community, 
took the time to nurture him and to prepare him for his journey through 
life.
  I told the story to the current president of South Carolina State 
University, from which I am a graduate. He said to me that he knew Ron 
McNair up at MIT, where he graduated. He said to me that of all the 
students on that campus, Ron McNair was better prepared for the journey 
at MIT than anybody else. That is because these HBCUs take the time not 
just to explore what may be in the textbooks, but they look at what may 
be in the life experiences of these students who come there.
  I think about those students growing up on the Sea Islands of 
Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, in what we call 
Gullah Geechee country, who come to colleges and universities not 
knowing a whole lot about what we call common English, but they know 
the Gullah Geechee language. They are very smart students who know what 
to do with calculus and math, and sometimes, they may have problems 
making a subject and verb agree because of their experiences. They go 
to these colleges and universities where the teachers, professors, and 
other students have a similar background.
  I know so well because that day that Scott just mentioned, I met my 
spouse of 58 years on that campus. She was a Gullah woman, but she went 
on to get a master's degree in library science.
  When she passed away a couple of months ago, no one in the State of 
South Carolina ever got the send-off that she got. Why? Because of the 
contributions she made.
  Come January or February, I believe, whatever the date may be, they 
are naming the Honors College at South Carolina State University in her 
honor. Why? Because she demonstrated in her life pursuits that she was 
worthy of such recognition.
  Through our family foundation, she left an endowment at her alma 
mater of $1.7 million, that for a little Gullah woman who went to an 
HBCU that took her from where she was and made her what she could be.
  That story is repeated time and time again all over this country.
  Madam Speaker, I want to say to my friends in the other body, the 
FUTURE Act is all about the future of people whose experiences may be 
different from theirs but whose intelligence may even surpass theirs. 
Let's do what we can to make sure that this country continues to 
benefit from their life experiences. They are willing to give back if 
only given the opportunity.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for that 
not only inspiring but moving speech.
  I would say, Madam Speaker, that I had the privilege of meeting Mr. 
Clyburn's wife. Certainly, all of those tributes are really due to her. 
We are not only proud of the work that she did but of the life that she 
led.
  Madam Speaker, I say to my colleagues who talked about getting 
married, I got married at North Carolina A&T to my first spouse. It 
didn't last all but 6 or so years, at least not that one. But you do 
have an opportunity to not only interact but to meet folks for a 
lifetime, and that is really, really important.
  I want to mention as well that of all the universities, HBCUs are 
about 3 percent, yet we educate 10 percent of all students of African 
American descent. That means that we do a lot with a little. We don't 
get the kind of equitable funding that we have needed, but clearly, we 
have continued to press on. These are wonderful examples we have been 
hearing tonight.

[[Page H9214]]

  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), 
the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor, a gentleman who has 
worked hard to make education valuable and important also.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding. I thank the Congressional Black Caucus and Representative 
Adams in particular for dedicating this time to discuss an issue 
affecting so many communities across the country, and particularly 
Representative Adams for her leadership in congressional support for 
historically Black colleges and universities.
  Since their conception, HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions 
have played a vital role in expanding access to higher education for 
low-income students and students of color.

  Many present leaders, like physicians, dentists, lawyers, judges, and 
other professionals, and many elected officials, would not be where 
they are today but for the opportunity provided by HBCUs, especially 
the two in the Third District of Virginia, Hampton University and 
Norfolk State University.
  That is why earlier this year, the House unanimously passed the 
FUTURE Act, a proposal to preserve funding for these institutions that 
expired on September 30. The FUTURE Act is fully paid for, and it would 
provide an immediate 2-year extension of funding, averting a financial 
crisis that could eventually result in lost jobs, program cuts, and 
reduced financial support for students.
  A month later, the Committee on Education and Labor advanced the 
College Affordability Act, a comprehensive overhaul of the Higher 
Education Act that would increase access and affordability to higher 
education and specifically would increase and permanently reauthorize 
mandatory funding for historically Black colleges and other minority-
serving institutions.
  HBCUs and minority-serving institutions collectively serve more than 
one-quarter of all undergraduate students each year. That is more than 
6 million students, including many from our Nation's most underserved 
communities.
  It is important that we pass legislation extending the funding for 
these colleges and universities so that they can continue to fulfill 
their mission.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for not 
only his comments but for his labor and his support for these very fine 
institutions.
  Madam Speaker, I do want to acknowledge the chairwoman of the 
Congressional Black Caucus, Karen Bass, who had to leave. She left her 
comments and asked me to read them, so I am going to do that.
  She begins by talking about the Special Order hour tonight and the 
support that we need to give to our historically Black colleges and 
universities and minority-serving institutions. Congress, she says, 
must provide mandatory funding for these institutions.
  Fighting for historically Black colleges and universities is one of 
the Congressional Black Caucus' highest priorities because HBCUs are 
critical contributors to the strength of the Black community and our 
country.
  Many members of our caucus, the CBC, have attended great HBCUs, such 
as American Baptist College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta, 
Fisk University, Florida A&M, Howard University, Jackson State 
University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina 
Central, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State, Texas 
Southern University, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, Virginia 
State University, Virginia Union University, and Wiley College, among 
others.
  In the 115th Congress, the CBC launched a tour of HBCUs called CBC on 
the Yard. The goal of the tour was to listen, to involve and mobilize 
students to effect change in their communities, and to get their 
thoughts on the direction of the country and the issues that impact 
their lives. The CBC hosted events at Morehouse College, Xavier 
University, Bowie State University, and Howard University.
  According to the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, HBCUs account for 22 
percent of the current bachelor's degrees granted to African Americans. 
Moreover, among African Americans, 13 percent of CEOs, 40 percent of 
engineers, 40 percent of healthcare professionals, 50 percent of 
teachers, 50 percent of non-HBCU professors, 50 percent of lawyers, 80 
percent of judges, and 90 percent with bachelor's degrees in STEM 
subjects graduated from HBCUs.
  The economic impact of HBCUs, as the gentlewoman says, is equally 
impressive. A report by UNCF called ``HBCUs Make America Strong'' said 
the positive economic impact of historically Black colleges and 
universities show that HBCUs generate $14.8 billion in economic impact 
annually.
  HBCUs are vital to the students who attend them and to the entire 
country, which makes use of the valuable skills that these graduates 
bring to the private and public sectors. Our Nation must continue to 
invest in HBCUs and minority-serving institutions.

                              {time}  2000

  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. 
Davis).
  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, let me, first of all, 
congratulate Ms. Adams on the tremendous leadership that she has been 
providing to those of us who are concerned about Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities, as well as education in general. I certainly 
thank the gentlewoman for being able to share this moment as we talk 
about the importance of these very viable, valuable institutions.
  I represent a congressional district that has some of the most 
outstanding educational institutions in the world, without a doubt. We 
don't have an HBCU in my district, but I was fortunate, as were so many 
members of my family, on my 16th birthday to enroll in Arkansas AM&N 
College with no money--as a matter of fact, on credit. I had $20 when I 
got there in my shirt pocket.
  We had a president at the time, Dr. Lawrence Arnette Davis, that all 
of us just simply called ``Prexy,'' kind of saying that he was a father 
surrogate and a father figure for every one of us who hit that campus.
  My parents were sharecroppers. We lived in rural Arkansas, a very 
important State because it is the only State in the Bible Noah looked 
over his ark and saw.
  But we were able to have Arkansas AM&N College. Four of my sisters, 
myself, two of my brothers, three of my nephews, three of my nieces, 
and an assortment of first cousins all went to UAPB. Even today, in the 
community where I live, large numbers of students want to go there, and 
they do.
  They go because there is something unique about these institutions. 
They have the capacity to provide individual attention, in many 
instances, where larger universities may not have the same. They have 
the understanding to know that they are individuals who come from 
environments where they may need a little extra attention and a little 
extra help, and they provide it.
  These are inspirational settings where individuals go and learn their 
profession, develop their abilities, and know that, when they leave, 
they leave with the inspiration.
  And so, again, commendations. So I end by just thinking of some of 
the words of our anthem. The person who wrote it said:

     State college, we greet thee with love and devotion;
     Our hearts and our treasures we bring to thy shrine.
     With arms that are strong from all harm, we defend thee;
     Thy name shall we cherish, dear mother of mine.

  We cherish our Historically Black Colleges and Universities and urge 
that they receive the funding that they need.
  Madam Speaker, God bless Representative Adams for leading the charge.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Davis very much for his 
eloquent presentation. As I think about many of the songs that we sing 
at our schools, they have a certain relevance, strength, and meaning 
for the students that we serve.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), 
who has been out on this battlefield for a very long time. I am so 
happy to share this hour with her and all of my colleagues.
  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding, and I thank her for her tireless leadership on this issue and 
so

[[Page H9215]]

many issues, and also for forming the bipartisan caucus as it relates 
to our HBCUs; because this bipartisan caucus, once she got here, she 
hit the ground running, and it has never been the same. I am a proud 
member of the caucus, and I just want to thank her for her tremendous 
leadership.
  Also, I thank our chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, 
Congresswoman Karen Bass, for her leadership in helping to put together 
this Special Order tonight.
  It is really an honor to be here tonight to support our Nation's 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and, of course, I am in 
full support of the FUTURE Act.
  Madam Speaker, Malcolm X once declared: ``Education is our passport 
to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it 
today.''
  For over 150 years, Historically Black Colleges have provided these 
passports for students. One of the largest populations of students at 
HBCUs come from my home State of California. In fact, it may be the 
largest number of students at HBCUs are from California, including my 
grandson, Jonah, whom you know.
  Black students in California would never have the opportunity to go 
to college if it were not for HBCUs. So, for them and for their 
families, I am deeply grateful.
  HBCUs have always offered African American young men and women a 
quality, affordable education at times when access to institutions of 
higher learning was limited or completely closed off to African 
Americans.
  With over 101 HBCUs across the Nation and 9 percent of all African 
American college students attending HBCUs, they are more important than 
ever in providing students a superior education.
  And, yes, it is the manifestation of the fact that Black lives do 
matter. They do matter.
  Now, as a member of the funding committee, the Labor-HHS-Education 
Appropriations Subcommittee, I know just how important HBCU funding is. 
That is why we fought each and every year to increase HBCU funding, 
this year by $93 million above fiscal year `19 levels and the 
President's request.
  Let me say, also, that I did not have the honor of attending an HBCU, 
but I come from a family with deep roots at HBCUs. My grandfather and 
two aunts graduated from then Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, 
Texas.
  I just have to tell you, my 99-year-old aunt, Aunt Lois, whom I spent 
Thanksgiving with, spent her whole time talking to me about her 
education at her HBCU, at Huston-Tillotson College. She wants more 
young people to receive the stellar education that she received, and 
she is 99 years old. She is an unbelievable woman.
  HBCUs provided her that educational foundation for her life. She did 
an amazing job working and setting up businesses. She attributes that 
to everything she learned at HBCUs.

  Also, my mother attended Prairie View A&M University and also 
Southern University.
  I have been the beneficiary of the values and the academic foundation 
provided to me through my family's attendance and involvement at these 
great institutions.
  Two of my nieces, Michelle and Nicole, graduated from Prairie View. 
They are amazing young Black women making their mark in the world.
  HBCUs have a rich history to look back on and a vibrant future ahead, 
so I am proud tonight to join my colleagues in supporting HBCUs.
  I thank Congresswoman Adams for her commitment and her leadership to 
the education of our young African American students because she truly 
is securing the future, not only for our students and their families, 
but for our country and for the world.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California for 
not only her contributions, but the contributions of her family.
  I am a proud two-time graduate. My daughter is a graduate of North 
Carolina A&T State University, as well, and my grandson decided he 
wanted to be a Bison, so he is at Howard this year as a freshman. I am 
just delighted that he has joined the HBCU family.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership 
on this subject. Since coming to Congress, she has been one of the 
foremost advocates for education, specifically HBCUs. Prior to her 
arriving, it has always been an issue that has been very important, but 
she has really raised awareness and highlighted and been consistent in 
her leadership in this area.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the FUTURE Act in minority-
serving institutions. I thank Representative Adams once again for 
anchoring tonight's discussion of this very important subject.
  Minority-serving colleges and universities--not to be mistaken as 
HBCUs--serve a critical role in our society. I, in New Jersey, do not 
have an HBCU, but we have many minority-serving institutions, and 
several in my district. These are students who find more support with 
teachers and professors who come from their culture.
  Studies have shown that they get better grades in classes with 
teachers of the same culture and race. This starts even before the 
students enter college.
  Minority students in the same race classes have fewer behavioral 
problems, regardless of income level or family structure. They are far 
more likely to end up doing well and coming along on the collegiate 
level at HBCUs. They are more likely to be held to a higher academic 
standard and pushed harder to excel in these schools. They perform 
better in reading, mathematics, and other core courses.
  That is where MSIs become vital to their continued success. Low-
income, low-performing students' upward mobility skyrockets on these 
campuses.
  Take Bloomfield College, for example. And let me commend its new 
president, Marcheta P. Evans, for her vision for Bloomfield College.
  Bloomfield is a minority-serving institution of almost 1,700 students 
located in my 10th District, in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Of these 
students, 70 percent are low-income or first-generation college 
students; 95 percent get financial aid; and 75 percent are eligible for 
Pell grants. They come from families and communities that do not have 
many advantages. One Bloomfield college student was even homeless and 
struggled for meals before entering college.
  But the college steps in and addresses more than their academic 
needs. Instead, they come out of MSIs and become engineers. They become 
nurses, teachers, and professors. Bloomfield College even graduates 
simulation designers for video games and medical technicians.
  Like most MSIs, Bloomfield takes low-income students and turns them 
into middle- to high-income graduates, and they do it at rates that far 
exceed other universities. In other words, they solve several social 
problems at once.
  HBCUs are criticized in this country for their necessity, but the 
creation of HBCUs comes out of the inability for the larger population 
to accept minority students at colleges that were already in place.

                              {time}  2015

  So where do they have to go?
  So it is disingenuous to criticize HBCUs for remedying a problem of 
equality that still exists in this Nation. They keep today's low-income 
students on a path to success. They help close the wealth gap between 
Whites and non-Whites, and they provide hope and a future to a segment 
of America that needs it so much.
  So, in closing, Madam Speaker, we will continue to advocate for these 
institutions because, although I did not go to an HBCU, so many of my 
distinguished colleagues--the whip, Ms. Adams, and so many others--were 
educated at HBCUs. We see their talent and their brilliance every day 
on these floors of the House of Representatives.
  So we need HBCUs to continue to strive and be strong and continue to 
do the service that they have done for this country for decades.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New 
Jersey--where I grew up--for not only his service there, but for his 
contributions tonight.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lawson).
  Mr. LAWSON. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak for HBCUs. I would like to 
thank my colleague, Ms. Adams, for all her input and how she has worked 
extremely hard to put HBCUs at the forefront.

[[Page H9216]]

  I grew up in a rural area in the country where we were let out of 
high school early so that we could work in the tobacco fields in 
Gadsden County. I had no idea what college was really like until 
Florida A&M gave me the opportunity to attend college there.
  For 132 years Florida A&M has been educating a large number of 
baccalaureate degree-holders in this country, as well as engineers, 
pharmacists, and you just name it, especially in the school of business 
where we had one of the greatest leaders in this country of all time to 
head up that school that really contributed to corporate America.
  Without HBCUs, I know that I wouldn't be here. A boy walking bare-
footed in the countryside had the opportunity to represent HBCUs, not 
only in the State legislature but now in Congress. They have made a 
major impact on this country and on economics that many of my 
colleagues have talked about today.
  When you think about it, where would this country be without that 
impact?
  On September 30 of this year, the funding was not authorized. But 
that $255 million that the House unanimously passed is now sitting in 
the Senate. It is imperative that we encourage our Senators to approve 
this because many of these schools would not be able to function 
without that funding. I happen to represent not only Florida A&M 
University but Edward Waters College where it is critically needed for 
these schools to survive.
  Over the past 30 or 40 years, the issue also comes up, Madam Speaker, 
about where HBCUs are going. Many of today's HBCUs have taken 
minorities and international students from all over the country, more 
so than some of the majority institutions, and they have done well. In 
the area of STEM and technology, in science, we need more and more 
people in STEM around the country.
  Where can they come from?
  They come from HBCUs.
  When you look at the number of Ph.D. candidates and the number one to 
get Ph.D.s in this country, where do they come from?
  They come from HBCUs.
  I am really proud of the fact that HBCUs, especially Florida A&M 
University, molded me into the leader that I am today. It made me 
appreciate hard work. I had the opportunity to have professors that 
really cared about me and a goal. So for some 30-some years I have been 
a part of this leadership.
  I applaud Congresswoman Adams for all of her hard work and for 
bringing it to the forefront. We stand here tonight to send a message 
out there that we are a part of America. We are part of the American 
Dream, and we urge our colleagues to support it.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida.
  Madam Speaker, how much time is remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has 10 minutes remaining.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from 
Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon).
  Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I am honored to take part in this Special 
Order hour tonight in which we honor the Nation's HBCUs and highlight 
our support for the FUTURE Act.
  My district, Pennsylvania's fifth, is home to the oldest HBCU in the 
United States, Cheyney University. Founded in 1837, Cheyney is also a 
charter member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. 
Cheyney is a historical, cultural, and academic beacon in our 
community, where it has long provided academic and professional 
opportunities for students in Pennsylvania and beyond. The university 
boasts tens of thousands of loyal and accomplished alumni who share 
their diverse talents with the Nation.
  Unfortunately, in recent years, Cheyney has faced financial 
instability, and 3 years ago nearly lost its accreditation. But last 
week there was good news. Based on strong leadership from Cheyney's new 
president, Aaron Walton, increased community and alumni engagement and 
strong enrollment numbers, Cheyney learned that its accreditation had 
been renewed.
  Moving forward, Cheyney is increasing academic offerings and 
developing innovative public-private partnerships that will help 
students to graduate and be ready to compete in the 21st century.
  I am extremely proud to represent Cheyney and to testify to the 
importance of HBCUs across the United States.
  Lastly, I am also proud to be a new member of the Congressional HBCU 
Caucus led by my colleague, a fierce supporter of these institutions, 
Representative Alma Adams.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from 
Pennsylvania. I know Cheyney very well. The gentlewoman is right. It 
was the first university, and I want to congratulate Cheyney on that 
accomplishment.
  When we talk about that, it should not be funding that separates our 
students in a way that they are not able to get the education that they 
need. We have had since 1873 18 HBCUs that have closed. All of us who 
have gotten together tonight and continue to work this area don't want 
to see another school close, especially because of money.
  When you look back at those who have had difficulty, it hasn't been 
because the academics weren't in order. There are strong academic 
programs at these colleges and universities, and we want to continue 
that tradition. We want not only these schools to survive but to 
thrive. That is really important, and that is where we need to go.
  Having said that, I want to read a couple of letters because they are 
very important. They are from two of my colleagues from the CBC.
  The first is from Eddie Bernice Johnson who has been very involved 
with HBCUs well before I got here, and I want to just thank her for her 
leadership as well.
  She writes, Madam Speaker:

       Historically Black colleges and universities, HBCUs, have 
     played an important role in our Nation's history. These 
     places of higher education have given opportunities to 
     millions of young people to get a quality post-secondary 
     education. Many of these students are the first in their 
     family to attend college.
       I am proud to say that one of these institutions, Paul 
     Quinn College, is located within my district.
       Currently, the top priority for HBCUs is to ensure that 
     they have the resources needed to prepare students for a 
     competitive, globalized workforce. The FUTURE Act, which 
     passed in this Chamber some time ago, does exactly that. The 
     bill reauthorizes critical funding for all minority-serving 
     institutions for the next 2 years.
       Sadly, like most of the legislation that has passed the 
     House of Representatives this Congress, the Senate refuses to 
     do their job and vote on this noncontroversial bipartisan 
     bill.
       The College Affordability Act, which was introduced in 
     October, would go beyond what the FUTURE Act does and provide 
     HBCUs more flexibility, so that they can strengthen their 
     endowments, academic quality, and institutional management.
       The College Affordability Act also provides States with 
     incentives to lower the cost for students to obtain a quality 
     college education by raising the maximum amount for Pell 
     grants and simplifying the student loan repayment program.
       These two bills are great examples of what we should strive 
     for to guarantee the best outcome for students attending 
     HBCUs and other MSIs.
       Madam Speaker, we need to make sure our higher education 
     system serves all the students that hope to receive a degree. 
     Historically Black colleges and universities, along with 
     other minority-serving institutions, play a vital role for 
     African Americans and other minority students. We need to 
     continue passing legislation that provides true educational 
     opportunities for those who desire to learn and who are 
     unable to afford it.

  Madam Speaker, one of my colleagues from Ohio, Representative Marcia 
Fudge, who is a former CBC chair, states the following:

       Madam Speaker, more than one-quarter of all undergraduate 
     students in the United States attend historically Black 
     colleges and universities and other minority-serving 
     institutions. These schools play a critical role in unlocking 
     higher education opportunities for millions of degree 
     seekers, including students of color and low-income students 
     of which many are the first in their family to attend 
     college.
       To protect these essential institutions from the threat of 
     closure and financial despair, we must continue to provide 
     them with the resources they need to prepare students for the 
     modern economy.
       Title III, part F of the Higher Education Act authorizes 
     important mandatory funding for historically Black colleges 
     and universities, Tribal colleges and universities, and 
     minority-serving institutions to educate and prepare students 
     for professions in the sciences, technology, engineering, and 
     math, or STEM, fields.
       Unfortunately, these critical sources of funding expired on 
     September 30, and this lapse jeopardizes the viability of 
     these institutions, as well as the STEM readiness of the

[[Page H9217]]

     students they serve. At a time when diverse representation is 
     low in the STEM economy, Congress must immediately restore 
     mandatory funding to prevent permanent and irreversible 
     damage to STEM programs at these historical institutions that 
     give students from underserved communities an opportunity to 
     rise above their circumstances.
       On September 17, 2019, the House passed the FUTURE Act, an 
     extension of the $255 million in essential mandatory funding 
     for HBCUs and MSIs. Despite receiving unanimous support in 
     the House, the bill has yet to be considered by the Senate, 
     and it was not included in the continuing resolution that 
     passed in November.
       So as Congress considers spending bills for next year, we 
     must restore this vital resource of funding that expands 
     opportunities for underrepresented students. It is past time 
     to uphold our promise to support these historic institutions 
     and the students they serve.

  Madam Speaker, I want to at this point close with these comments.
  First of all, I thank all of my colleagues for their comments 
tonight, those who have stood up tonight for our Nation's 102 HBCUs, 
and MSIs.

                              {time}  2030

  We are at a critical crossroads tonight. We are in the midst of 
negotiating a government spending agreement that can confer over $500 
million to all HBCUs.
  For too long, the schools have dedicated themselves to the futures of 
low-income, first-generation students of color, like me, who have been 
neglected by their government. Over the last 50 years, this body has 
made strides to correct that lack of investment and engagement, but 
none of those strides came easy. They were achieved in moments when 
many still questioned the purpose of having schools dedicated to that 
mission.
  I have heard the question asked over and over: Why do we need HBCUs? 
I will say that my response is: What in the world--and I use another 
word--would we do without our HBCUs?
  When we think about it, as has been stated by several of my 
colleagues, our schools were achieved in moments when many still 
questioned the purpose, when Federal and State investments in higher 
education are still consistently under attack.
  Our HBCUs, in particular, still suffer from impacts of historical 
discrimination and underinvestment, low endowments, outdated 
infrastructure, a lack of opportunities for growth compared to their 
PWI counterparts.
  The House of Representatives approved $375 million for title III, 
part B, the Strengthening HBCUs program last summer, the first time 
this program was appropriated at the authorization limit. It approved 
$40 million of loan authority for the HBCU Capital Financing Program. 
It also passed the FUTURE Act, which authorizes $85 million of 
mandatory funding for HBCUs.
  We illustrated our support for HBCUs, and now we need to guarantee 
that it is in the negotiations with the Senate. We want to make sure, 
as I said before, that our schools not only survive but that they 
thrive. When we fight for these programs, we show our belief in the 
futures of low-income, first-generation students of color.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud that I had a mother who stood up for me, in 
spite of the fact that we didn't have the funds. There was an HBCU in 
North Carolina that allowed me to come and made that investment in me. 
I was able to complete my bachelor's and master's degrees there at 
North Carolina A&T, and then, I was able to go on to receive my Ph.D. 
from The Ohio State University only because of the North Carolina A&T.
  Madam Speaker, let's not give up the fight now. We are going to 
continue to do it. I thank all of my colleagues, again, for being here 
tonight.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

  Supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 
 Support of Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for 
                         Education (FUTURE) Act

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my 
colleagues to underscore the need for Congress to support continued 
funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 
Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). I was honored to support the 
Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education 
(FUTURE) Act when the House passed this legislation unanimously in 
September of this year. The FUTURE Act would provide $255 million for 
Minority-Serving Institutions, including Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Asian American and Native 
American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), and 
Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Unfortunately, despite the 
unanimous bipartisan support for this bill here in the House, my 
colleagues in the Senate have blocked this legislation from 
consideration. This is unacceptable. HBCUs, and all MSIs, deserve our 
continued support and should not be treated as a political football.
  Since 1837, HBCUs have trained generations of African American 
students and scholars. The economic benefits of HBCUs extend beyond the 
students they educate. They're equally important to the local and 
regional economies served by these institutions. Today, there are 
nearly 300,000 future scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs and 
researchers preparing for their professional endeavors at more than 100 
HBCUs throughout the country. HBCUs account for 17 percent of all 
bachelor's degrees earned by African Americans and 24 percent of the 
degrees earned by African Americans in the STEM fields. HBCUs have an 
inspiring past and a dynamic present in their unique role of raising up 
new academic leaders against the legacy of Jim Crow and decades of 
persistent and systemic racism. Annually, HBCUs support 134,000 jobs 
and provide $14.8 billion in economic output.
  The amazing work done at these schools has also been supported by 
investments through the Department of Defense, which has helped HBCUs 
contribute some of the most cutting-edge defense and national security 
research in the country. To advance these efforts, I introduced an 
appropriations amendment in the House that would increase the funding 
level to HBCUs by $4 million above current levels. My amendment, which 
passed the House on June 19, 2019, the 154th anniversary of Juneteenth, 
will increase the Department of Defense's investments in the physical 
sciences, mathematics and engineering programs at HBCUs and the 
national security benefits they provide.
  As my House colleagues and I continue to urge the Senate to pass the 
FUTURE Act and my amendment to increase HBCU funding, I will continue 
to champion our nation's investments in HBCUs as a critical part of 
enriching our culture and economy. When HBCUs succeed, America 
succeeds.
  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, historically Black Colleges and 
Universities (HBCU's) have played an important role in our nation's 
history. These places of higher education have given opportunities to 
millions of young people to get a quality postsecondary education. Many 
of these students are the first in their family to attend college. I am 
proud to say that one of these institutions, Paul Quinn College, is 
located within my district.
  Currently, the top priority for HBCU's is to ensure they have the 
resources needed to prepare students for a competitive, globalized 
workforce. The FUTURE Act, which passed in this chamber some time ago, 
does exactly that. The bill reauthorizes critical funding for all 
Minority Serving Institutions (MSI's) for the next two years. Sadly, 
like most of the legislation that has passed the House of 
Representatives this Congress, the Senate refuses to do their job and 
vote on this noncontroversial bipartisan bill.
  The College Affordability Act, which was introduced in October, would 
go beyond what the FUTURE Act does and provides HBCU's more flexibility 
so that they can strengthen their endowments, academic quality, and 
institutional management. The College Affordability Act also provides 
states with incentives to lower the cost for students to obtain a 
quality college education by raising the maximum amount for Pell Grants 
and simplifying the student loan repayment program. These two bills are 
great examples of what we should strive for to guarantee the best 
outcome for students attending HBCU's and other MSI's.
  Madam Speaker, We need to make sure our higher education system 
serves all the students that hope to receive a degree. Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities along with other Minority Serving 
institutions play a vital role for African Americans and other minority 
students. We need to continue passing legislation that provides true 
educational opportunities for those who desire to learn and are unable 
to afford it.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in the 
Congressional Black Caucus to celebrate and recognize the importance of 
educational opportunities that HBCU institutions create for thousands 
of young men and women from all walks of life.
  I am a member of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus because it 
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.

[[Page H9218]]

  One important solution must be access to affordable 7 quality 
education for every person in this nation.
  I am proud to count Texas Southern University as a constituent, a 
great HBCU--located in my home city of Houston.
  I routinely partner with Texas Southern University to promote 
education opportunities and collaborate on community projects 
routinely.
  In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I led the initiative to get 
financial aid relief for the students and campus of Texas Southern 
University in the amount of $13 plus million dollars.
  I continue to keep the university community informed about major 
issues impacting citizens of my city of Houston, Texas.
  Issues like Health Care, Economic Development, Education, and Social 
Security are of great importance to TSU academic programs.
  I initiated the digitization projects for former U.S. Members of 
Congress Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland who both have permanent 
archives at Texas Southern University.
  I also assisted with the establishment of several scholarship 
Endowments at Texas Southern University.
  I helped create a partnership with Comcast at TSU's School of 
Communication, which offers scholarships, internships and in-kind 
marketing.
  I helped establish the Center for Transportation, Training and 
Research in TSU's College of Science, Engineering, and Technology.
  On September 17, 2019, the House passed House H.R. 2486, the 
Fostering Undergraduate Talent Using Resources for Education (FUTURE) 
Act, which I cosponsored and supported.
  Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act (HEA) provides funding 
to HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and MSIs to improve their self-sufficiency and 
strengthen their ability to serve low-income students, particularly in 
the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 
professions.
  These funds advance these institutions' academic quality and fiscal 
stability.
  Unfortunately, funding for these institutions, as authorized by the 
HEA expired on September 30, 2019.
  It is crucial that these funds do not lapse.
  H.R 2486, the FUTURE Act, ensures that this will not happen.
  Under the FUTURE Act, HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and MSIs will continue to 
receive $255 million for the next two years.
  Without this funding, these institutions will suffer, particularly 
smaller institutions that will have to lay off staff and faculty and 
possibly face imminent danger of closure.
  Additionally, H.R. 2486 is completely paid for by eliminating Account 
Maintenance Fees, a proposal supported by Democrats, Republicans and 
the White House.
  It is time that the Senate takes up this important bill and pass it 
so that HBCUs can continue to do the important work of educating the 
next generation.
  HBCUs are more than just places of higher learning that are part of 
the nation's economy by contributing 15 billion dollars to the national 
economy annually.
  HBCUs provide pathways of opportunity for millions of Americans, many 
of whom are first generation college students.
  This underscores the need for the government to engage with HBCUs and 
other MSIs, and ensure these schools have the resources they need--
after a legacy of discrimination and neglect.
  The Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for 
Education (FUTURE) Act reauthorizes crucial mandatory funding for HBCUs 
and all Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the next two fiscal 
years; $255 million a year, in total.

  Sustaining these funds is critical to supporting HBCUs and the 
students they serve.
  The FUTURE Act is intended to prepare HBCU students for careers in 
STEM professions--at a time when diverse representation is low in the 
STEM economy.
  Additionally, without this funding, small schools with small 
endowments will have to lay off staff and faculty in order to stay 
afloat; other schools will face imminent danger of closure.
  This bill represents the number one priority of all HBCUs in the 
country.
  This bill passed the House by a unanimous vote on September 17, 2019 
but is being held up by the Senate due to the objections of Senator 
Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the Chairman of the Senate Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
  Senator Alexander has claimed he has a bill that will permanently 
reauthorize FUTURE Act funds.
  He did not offer his bill until FUTURE passed the House of 
Representatives.
  The Senate has failed to come to an agreement on comprehensive 
reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA).
  In contrast, the House Education and Labor Committee has advanced the 
College Affordability Act, which will incentivize states to lower the 
cost of college tuition, strengthen federal financial aid programs, and 
simplify income-based repayment plans for student loan holders.
  The HEA contains all the federal programs that provide a pathway for 
low-income, first generation students into college.
  Senator Alexander's bill in total is a micro-version of HEA 
reauthorization that does very little to reduce the cost of college or 
address rising student loan debt.
  For example, Senator Alexander's bill would raise the maximum Pell 
Grant award by $20--and not index the award to inflation.
  Currently, the maximum Pell Grant award is $6,195.
  The average tuition at a public college is approximately $15,000.
  The purchasing power of the Pell Grant has decreased by 70 percent 
since 1979.
  Senator Alexander has packed his bill with a lot of other priorities 
because he's attempting to leverage the fate of 4 million students of 
color to create a legacy for himself.
  Senator Alexander has also said he does not like the way the FUTURE 
Act is paid for.
  The bill is paid for with the elimination of Account Maintenance Fees 
paid to Guaranty Agencies; an offset that is supported by Democrats and 
Republicans in Congress, as well as the White House.
  Given the significantly pared back services provided by guaranty 
agencies, and their ability to generate significant fee income through 
debt collection activities, this funding is no longer needed.
  Guaranty Agencies generate around $4 billion in annual revenue.
  They can fulfill their mission without these funds.
  Finally, Senator Alexander and the Department of Education has 
claimed they have funds to continue awarding grants through the end of 
Fiscal Year 2020.
  But that's only true because the Department has failed to award all 
Fiscal Year 2019 funding.
  In any case, institutions of higher learning need to budget at least 
a year in advance--without certainty, staff layoffs and a paring back 
of services will accelerate.
  On September 14, 1927, the Houston Public School Board agreed to fund 
the development of two junior colleges: one for whites and one for 
African-Americans.
  On September 14, 1927, the Houston Public School Board provided 
$2,800 in seed capital to form a Junior College for African American 
students.
  The initial enrollment for the first summer was 300 students.
  On June 1, 1951, the name of the school was changed from Texas State 
University for Negroes to Texas Southern University after students 
petitioned the state legislature to remove the phrase ``for Negroes.''
  When the university opened its doors in September 1947, it had 2,300 
students, two schools, one division and one college--the Law School, 
the Pharmacy School, the Vocational Division, and the College of Arts 
and Sciences.
  In 1973, the 63rd Legislature designated Texas Southern University as 
a ``special purpose'' institution for urban programming, which added 
four more academic units: the College of Education, the School of 
Public Affairs, the School of Communications and the Weekend College.
  Today, Texas Southern University offers bachelor's, master's and 
doctoral degree programs in the following academic colleges and 
schools: the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences; the 
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; the College of Science and 
Technology; the College of Education; the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland 
School of Public Affairs; the School of Communication; the Thurgood 
Marshall School of Law; the Jesse H. Jones School of Business; the 
Thomas Freeman Honors College; and the College of Continuing Education 
and the Graduate School.
  Currently, Texas Southern University is staffed by approximately 
1,000 faculty members and support personnel.
  HBCU's have come a long way to be where they are today.
  The most significant milestone for HBCU's was the 1954 Supreme Court 
decision in Brown v. The Board of Education.
  Howard University School of Law graduates successfully argued against 
the constitutionality of ``separate but equal,'' opening the door for 
greater access to resources for institutions dedicated to education was 
a critical step forward.
  However, it was not until the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964, that the federal government had the capacity and focus to enforce 
desegregation.
  On the 50th Anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King's ``I have a 
Dream'' speech given at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial were we able 
to understand the long road to freedom.
  In that speech Dr. King spoke of a world where race would mean much 
less than the content of a person's character.

[[Page H9219]]

  Martin Luther King 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.''
  HBCUs do not just educate--they build character.
  The Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus will create and explore 
legislation that will increase support for HBCUs, such as the Higher 
Education Act, America COMPETES, and Appropriations.
  The Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus will also work to connect 
HBCUs to funding opportunities that ensure schools have the resources 
needed to educate and prepare students for the global workforce.
  My focus in joining with my colleagues this evening for this special 
order is to support and continue my work with Texas Southern University 
and other HBCUs by: finding growth opportunities for HBCU students and 
graduates; working with private industry to connect students to jobs, 
internships, and scholarships; and opening up doors to HBCU students 
interested in coming to Capitol Hill.
  Each Congressional Black Caucus member works to expose HBCU students 
to global experiences to learn about other cultures.
  My office worked to assist students in my district in going on a trip 
to China--for many it was their first travel outside of the state of 
Texas.
  That one experience transformed their lives--by expanding their 
horizon from being local to global.

                          ____________________