House Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. French Hill and Rep. Alma Adams, along with Reps. Richard McCormick and Shomari Figures, introduced the HBCU Research Capacity Act on Apr. 14. The legislation aims to improve access for HBCUs to federal research funding by creating a centralized clearinghouse for grant opportunities.
The bill addresses a long-standing issue: while HBCUs play a significant role in producing Black graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, they receive less than 1% of the approximately $60 billion allocated annually for federal research and development at colleges and universities.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including the four we are blessed to have here in Arkansas, have been a source of opportunity and innovation for generations,” said Rep. French Hill, Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan House HBCU Caucus. “Despite their outsized contributions, HBCUs receive a fraction of the federal research funding available to them. The HBCU Research Capacity Act takes a practical step toward changing that by ensuring these institutions have the information and tools they need to compete for federal dollars and continue fulfilling their vital mission for generations to come.” Rep. Alma Adams said: “HBCUs have always punched above their weight… That gap isn’t a reflection of merit, it’s a reflection of decades of systemic underfunding… The HBCU Research Capacity Act will help by giving our institutions a clear path to federal grant opportunities… I’m proud to champion this House companion with Representatives Hill, McCormick, and Figures…”
Rep. Richard McCormick said: “The time to act is now if we want to keep America leading in the world of STEM… I’m proud to co-sponsor the HBCU Research Capacity Act that ensures these students can stay ahead in the global technology race.” Rep. Shomari C. Figures added: “HBCUs have a long-standing track record of making significant contributions… this bill is a game-changer for the institutions in my state at the forefront of research and development because it creates a one-stop shop for all federal research funding opportunities… I will continue fighting for HBCUs to receive the resources they need…”
According to official biography, French Hill is currently serving as U.S Representative from Arkansas’ 2nd district after replacing Tim Griffin in 2015; he has served since then according to Wikipedia. Born in Little Rock in 1956 where he still resides today according his official biography, Hill graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s degree in Science in 1975 according Wikipedia.
If passed into law, supporters say this act would establish regular reporting requirements on agency coordination efforts as well as best practices guidance—steps intended not only promote transparency but also help level competition among American higher education institutions.
