Ranking Member Scott Statement on HBCU, TCU, and MSI Funding
WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement following the Department of Education’s funding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) at the expense of Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), such as Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI).
"In 2019, Congress passed the bipartisan FUTURE Act which authorized $255 million in mandatory funding to HBCU, TCUs, and MSIs. This funding supports the ongoing work done by under resourced institutions to boost the academic success and economic mobility of their students. But now, the Trump Administration refuses to follow Congress’ directive and provide the funding owed to MSIs.
“HBCUs and TCUs are chronically underfunded and under-resourced. And while I appreciate any influx of funding to HBCUs and TCUs, it should not come at the expense of funding MSIs, which are also in need of funding to support students.
"This allocation of funds to HBCUs and TCUs will likely not offset the funding cuts that many students rely on as a result of the Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ which cut Parent PLUS loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and Pell Grants. Moreover, this will not help HBCU and TCU alumni, whose student loan payments are also increasing because of Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill.’ Eliminating crucial funding for MSIs while also slashing student aid programs will never be in the best interest of students.”
###
Press Contact
Democratic Press Office, 202-226-0853
Previous Article