[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2424-H2425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           STANDING WITH STUDENTS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

  (Mr. McCORMICK of Georgia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss legislation 
that is near and dear to me. It updates outdated Federal definitions 
and ensures

[[Page H2425]]

fairness for students attending universities that serve some of the 
most historically underserved communities across the country. 
Importantly, this bill has benefits with no cost.
  My last tour as a marine was serving as the marine officer instructor 
at Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and Morris Brown as an adjunct 
professor. I then had the distinguished honor of attending and serving 
as student body president at Morehouse School of Medicine.
  That experience shaped not only my medical career but also my 
understanding of leadership, service, and the responsibility we have to 
expand opportunity for the next generation.
  Morehouse School of Medicine was founded to give opportunities to the 
underserved minority population and give them access to careers in 
healthcare and top-quality medical education. Its mission to serve the 
underserved is clear. Yet, for far too long, Federal policy has failed 
to keep pace with that mission.
  This mission, which harkens back to the core principles for the 
foundation of the Republican Party itself, is a vital promise we should 
always strive to uphold.
  Outdated definitions in statute have limited students at institutions 
like Morehouse to the resources and support they rightfully deserve. My 
bill is one small step to help correct that. It modernizes Federal 
language so that historically Black colleges and universities and other 
historically underserved institutions are treated fairly and equitably 
under the law in the way intended.
  It ensures that students training to serve in rural communities, 
urban neighborhoods, and medically fragile populations are not 
disadvantaged by bureaucratic technicalities written decades ago.
  As a graduate of Morehouse, I have seen the extraordinary talent and 
commitment of students who are determined to make a difference. They 
deserve policies that recognize their value and support their success.
  Morehouse's legacy is incredible. I had the privilege of learning 
from former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, a towering figure in 
public health. His leadership set a standard of excellence and service 
that continues to guide my work today.
  The broader Morehouse community has helped shape our Nation through 
leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose moral clarity 
transformed America; Jeh Johnson, who served as Secretary of Homeland 
Security; Edwin Moses, an Olympic gold medalist who exemplified 
discipline and determination; Samuel L. Jackson, whose artistic 
achievements are recognized worldwide; and Admiral Alvin Holsey, who 
had a long and distinguished military career.
  These individuals reflect a tradition of excellence, resilience, and 
service. The students walking the halls today carry that same 
potential.
  This legislation is about ensuring that Federal policy aligns with 
the legacy that we are trying to establish. This is about opportunity. 
It is about strengthening the pipeline of leaders, physicians, 
scientists, and public servants our country so urgently needs.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and stand 
with students at historically underserved institutions in order to make 
sure every institution that meets the criteria is included in the 
growing and vital HBCU network of universities that are working every 
day to serve America's communities.

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