[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H981-H983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs) HOMELAND SECURITY
PARTNERSHIPS ACT
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1494) to strengthen partnerships between
historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving
institutions and the Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1494
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT-WIDE STRATEGY FOR ENHANCED PARTNERSHIPS
WITH HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary
for Strategy, Policy, and Plans of the Department, shall--
(1) issue a Department-wide strategy to enhance
partnerships with historically Black colleges and
universities and minority-serving institutions that includes
yearly goals, including goals related to improving
recruitment and hiring, research and development, and
acquisition opportunities at such institutions, through
fiscal year 2025; and
(2) require the head of each component of the Department
to--
(A) not later than 150 days after the date of the issuance
under paragraph (1) of the Department-wide strategy, develop
a component-specific action plan to implement such strategy;
(B) monitor progress on such implementation; and
(C) not later than one year after the date of such
issuance, report to the Secretary regarding progress on such
implementation.
SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS.
The Secretary shall seek to enhance partnerships with
historically Black colleges and universities and minority-
serving institutions with respect to administering the
research and development activities of the Department by,
among other things--
(1) encouraging the participation of such colleges,
universities, and institutions in the research, development,
testing, and evaluation programs and activities of the
Department;
(2) facilitating partnerships between such colleges,
universities, and institutions and private sector
stakeholders, national laboratories, and other academic
institutions in areas important to homeland security,
including cybersecurity, emergency management, and
counterterrorism; and
(3) distributing funds through Science and Technology
Directorate grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to
such colleges, universities, and institutions for
enhancements in areas important to homeland security,
including cybersecurity, emergency management, and
counterterrorism.
SEC. 4. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES PARTNERSHIPS.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief Human
Capitol Officer of the Department, shall make available to
historically Black colleges and universities and minority-
serving institutions a current list of internship,
fellowship, scholarship, and recruitment opportunities within
the Department for students and recent graduates of such
colleges, universities, and institutions.
SEC. 5. ACQUISITION PARTNERSHIPS.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief Procurement
Officer of the Department, shall--
(1) identify how to increase the participation of
historically Black colleges and universities and minority-
serving institutions in Department acquisitions, including
identifying existing opportunities for historically Black
colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions
to participate in the contracting program of the Small
Business Administration for minorities; and
(2) disseminate to such colleges, universities, and
institutions--
(A) information identified in accordance with paragraph
(1); and
(B) current and future opportunities to participate in
Department acquisitions.
SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORT.
(a) Annual Report.--Not later than December 31, 2020, and
annually thereafter through 2026, the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the efforts of
the Department to partner with historically Black colleges
and universities and minority-serving institutions to carry
out this Act.
(b) Reporting Requirements.--The annual reports required
under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) A list of awards, including the corresponding monetary
value for each such award, to historically Black colleges and
universities and minority-serving institutions, disaggregated
by grant, contract, cooperative agreement, and other research
development test and evaluation activity, initiative, and
program.
(2) A description of how the Department is partnering with
historically Black colleges and universities and minority-
serving institutions under the programs referred to in
sections 3 and 5, and how such programs have helped such
colleges, universities, and institutions participate in
acquisitions with the Department.
(3) A summary of outreach efforts to historically Black
colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions,
and an identification of any Department programs and
initiatives in which such colleges, universities, and
institutions are under-represented among institutions of
higher education.
(4) A description of the status of efforts made by the
Department pursuant to sections 2 and 4, including--
(A) for section 2, Department-wide goals pursuant to the
Department-wide strategy to enhance partnerships with
historically Black colleges and universities and minority-
serving institutions under such section, and the status of
efforts to implement action plans throughout the Department
to carry out such strategy; and
(B) for section 4, participation rates in each internship,
fellowship, scholarship, and recruitment opportunity referred
to in such section, listed by historically Black college and
university and minority-serving institution so participating.
(5) A list of memoranda of understanding entered into by
the Department with historically Black colleges and
universities and minority-serving institutions and
information on the parties and scope of each such memorandum
of understanding.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Homeland Security.
(2) Historically black colleges and universities.--The term
``historically Black colleges and universities'' means a part
B institution described in section 322(2) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)).
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given
such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001).
(4) Minority-serving institutions.--The term ``minority-
serving institutions'' means an institution of higher
education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means Secretary of
Homeland Security.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
New Mexico (Ms. Torres Small) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Crenshaw) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico.
General Leave
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their
remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.
[[Page H982]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from New Mexico?
There was no objection.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 1494, the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security
Partnerships Act.
Mr. Speaker, historically Black colleges and universities, HBCUs, and
minority-serving institutions, MSIs, play a pivotal role in American
society. HBCUs, which make up only 3 percent of the United States'
institutions of higher education, produce nearly 30 percent of all
bachelor's degrees earned by African Americans in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics, or STEM fields.
My State, New Mexico, is home to 18 Hispanic-serving institutions,
which, like HBCUs, produce a large percentage of underrepresented
minorities who study and work in STEM. Nationwide, Hispanic-serving
institutions account for 66 percent of the more than 3.5 million
undergraduate Hispanics enrolled in higher education.
The contributions of HBCUs, HSIs, and other minority-serving
institutions prove that, when these institutions have equitable
opportunities, it drives our economy and improves outcomes within
minority communities.
It is also true of these institutions' ability to do work for the
Federal Government. The Department of Homeland Security, DHS,
specifically has always understood the value of working with such
institutions. However, the partnership is nowhere near its full
potential. DHS has even acknowledged that its existing programs for
engaging with HBCUs are being underutilized.
H.R. 1494 would require DHS to issue a strategy with yearly goals to
enhance these partnerships. This strategy will include specific
measurable goals to ensure the Department's progress in working with
HBCUs and HSIs.
Mr. Speaker, Federal investment in and partnership with HBCUs and
MSIs is vital for the strength of our economy and the advancement of
our society. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to ensure
effective partnership between DHS and HBCUs and MSIs.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Small Business,
Washington, DC, January 30, 2020.
Hon. Bennie Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thompson: I am writing with respect to H.R.
1494, the ``Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act.'' Thank you for
consulting with the Committee on Small Business regarding the
matters in H.R. 1494 that fall within the Committee's
jurisdiction.
As a result of your consultation with us on this measure
and in order to expeditiously move the bill to the floor, I
forego further consideration of H.R. 1494. The Committee on
Small Business takes this action with our mutual
understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the
subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and
the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as
the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may
address any remaining issues that fall within our
jurisdiction. Further, I request your support for the
appointment of an appropriate number of conferees from the
Committee on Small Business during any House-Senate
conference involving this or similar legislation.
Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter
confirming our understanding regarding H.R. 1494 and would
ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be
included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of the measure. Thank you for the cooperative
spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and
others between our respective committees.
Sincerely,
Nydia M. Velazquez,
Chairwoman.
____
Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, January 30, 2020.
Hon. Nydia Velazquez,
Chairwoman, Committee on Small Business,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairwoman Velazquez: Thank you for your letter
regarding H.R. 1494, the ``Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Homeland Security Partnerships Act.'' I
recognize that the Committee on Small Business has a
jurisdictional interest in H.R. 1494, and appreciate your
effort to allow this bill to be considered on the House
floor.
I concur with you that forgoing action on the bill does not
in any way prejudice the Committee on Small Business with
respect to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or
similar legislation in the future, and I would support your
effort to seek appointment of an appropriate number of
conferees to any House--Senate conference involving this
legislation.
I will include our letters on H.R. 1494 in the
Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill.
I look forward to working with you on this legislation and
other matters of great importance to this nation.
Sincerely,
Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H.R. 1494, the Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act.
H.R. 1494 seeks to increase partnerships and opportunities between
historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and the
Department of Homeland Security.
The bill requires DHS to develop a departmentwide strategy to enhance
partnerships with HBCUs and minority-serving institutions and seeks to
further such partnerships, specifically in relation to the research and
development activities of DHS.
I applaud my colleague, the chairman of the Homeland Security
Committee, for his efforts to bring this bill forward. I think this is
an important undertaking that will improve the work of DHS.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of
my bill, H.R. 1494, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act.
As a two-time HBCU graduate, I have long been an advocate of these
important institutions and creating more opportunities for them to work
with the Federal Government. Throughout the 15 years that I have served
on the Committee on Homeland Security, I have made it a priority to
facilitate dialogue between the HBCUs and the Department of Homeland
Security on how to build meaningful partnerships.
As the gentlewoman from New Mexico has already mentioned, HBCUs and
minority-serving institutions have and continue to make great
contributions to American society. That is why it is critical that we
encourage DHS to strengthen partnerships between HBCUs and MSIs.
After Hurricanes Katrina and Maria, it became clear how the absence
of individuals from minority communities in homeland security
decisionmaking, such as emergency management and planning, hinders our
ability to serve all affected communities equally.
Minority communities are disproportionately impacted by natural
hazards and disasters. It is imperative that the students of those
communities--HBCU and MSI students--are not left on the sidelines and
are encouraged to contribute to such planning and equipped to respond.
Enactment of my bill will take a step in this direction, as it
requires DHS to develop a strategy to strengthen its capacity to
provide research and development, contracting, and internships and
career opportunities to HBCUs and MSIs and their students or recent
graduates.
The bill also requires the Department to do more outreach and
disseminate more information to these institutions. Such information
includes internships and career opportunities and how HBCUs and MSIs
may qualify to participate in Federal acquisitions.
I thank my colleague from Missouri, Representative Luetkemeyer, for
his support on this important measure.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on its passage.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am
prepared to close.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1494 seeks to
facilitate dialogue between the Department of Homeland Security and
HBCUs and MSIs on how to find areas of opportunity to build more
productive partnerships. Collaborating with these diverse institutions
is not only economically and culturally beneficial, it is
[[Page H983]]
necessary to effectively respond to current, emerging, and consistent
homeland security threats.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1494 the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security
Partnerships Act. This legislation would require the Department of
Homeland Security to develop a strategy to strengthen the partnerships
between the Department and HBCU's. In turn, this would expose the
talented students attending these institutions to more robust
recruitment and hiring by the Department along with better cooperation
by these institutions in DHS research and testing programs.
HBCU's and other Minority Serving Institutions have provided a
quality education to millions of Americans seeking to gain knowledge
and to better their career prospects. Many of the students who are
attending these institutions come from diverse backgrounds and are the
first in their families to pursue a postsecondary education. It is my
strong belief that our federal workforce should be as diverse as
possible so that the work our government does can impact all Americans.
With the passage of this legislation today, the Department of Homeland
Security will take a step towards a more diverse workforce. Mr.
Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Torres Small) that the House suspend
the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1494, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________