[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.

                          ____________________