Chairman Scott Statement on Senate GOP Blocking Funding for HBCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions

WASHINGTON – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked an attempt by Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) to pass the FUTURE Act by unanimous consent.

“The FUTURE Act preserves critical funding for Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions that expands opportunities in communities throughout the country. The House of Representatives did its job by passing the FUTURE ACT earlier this week, and I am disappointed that Senate Republicans prevented us from moving this bipartisan bill to the president’s desk.

“I am also frustrated that House and Senate Republicans opposed our efforts to include the FUTURE Act in the Continuing Resolution. With seven legislative days until this program expires and $255 million in funding for HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions is in jeopardy, my colleagues are refusing to support a bipartisan solution that the White House indicated it will support.

“I call on Senate Republicans to follow the House’s lead and pass the FUTURE Act before the funding for HBCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions expires at the end of the month. Once the Senate passes this two-year funding extension, we can focus on permanently extending these important investments through a comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.” 

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