1890 Universities Foundation Applauds House Passage of Build Back Better
The organization representing 19 Strong 1890 Land Grant HBCUs also applauds Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC) and Congressman David Scott (D-GA) & others for their tireless advocacy on behalf of HBCUs
The House of Representatives on Friday passed a historic $1.75 trillion spending plan widely known as the “Build Back Better Act.” The vote in the House was 220-213. The plan covers a wide range of social services investments such as child care, education, healthcare, housing and the environment. It follows the passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill just signed into law this past Monday.
What’s also included in the Build Back Better Act is a $10 billion committment towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
From Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC), Founder and co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus …
I’m especially proud to have secured a transformative $10 billion investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the package — the largest such investment in American history. This includes an unprecedented infrastructure grant program that will allow HBCUs and MSIs to make substantial investments in their research infrastructure as they prepare the next generation of STEM graduates. Additionally, these funds will lower the cost of college and give more minority students access to high-tech, high-paying jobs. Thank you to Education & Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott for his leadership on these critical provisions, and to Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty for her tireless work for HBCUs, Black Maternal Health, and countless other equity measures in the Build Back Better Act.
From Congressman David Scott (D-GA), Chair of the House Agriculture Committee …
[T]he Build Back Better Act includes a historic, bipartisan investment …. to establish $100 million in permanent funding for student scholarships at the nineteen 1890 land-grant colleges and universities.
Our 1890 HBCUs are crucial to the future of American agriculture. We cannot let these historic institutions down in our commitment to Build Back Better for the American people. The need for innovation has never been clearer than it is today as the nation’s agriculture industry races to develop new strategies to contend with 21stcentury challenges, including climate change and supply chain resiliency. Bright minds nurtured in 1890 HBCUs can help meet the moment and lead the way. I look forward to the Senate passage of this landmark legislation as soon as possible.
The 1890 Universities Foundation is grateful for and applauds the tireless advocacy and support from Congresswoman Adams and Congresswoman Scott and their colleagues in the House, especially for their support of the 19 strong system of 1890 HBCU Land Grant institutions. The policymakers have been instrumental in making sure the HBCU community receives critical resources, especially after experiencing generations of under-funding.
After passing the House, the Build Back Better Act now goes to the Senate for debate and a likely budget-package “reconciliation” vote that avoids the 60-vote filibuster. The Build Back Better Act and this historic investment in HBCUs must pass the Senate in order to reach the President’s desk for final signature into law. Continued advocacy will be needed.