“I commend Chairman Hoekstra and the members of the Select Education Subcommittee for their leadership in reaching out to the faculty and students of these schools. Historically Black Colleges have played an important role in educating America’s students, and strengthening these schools must be a priority for this Congress. The purpose of hearings like the one held today at Wilberforce University is to discuss the unique contributions made by HBCUs to our nation’s postsecondary education system.”

            “Since 1995, Congress has substantially increased funding for minority serving schools. Funding for HBCUs, for instance, has increased 36.5 percent in the past five years. In his presidential campaign, President Bush called for a significant increase in aid to minority serving institutions, and he has made good on that pledge since taking office. In the budget he sent to Congress this spring, President Bush called for a 6.4 percent increase over 2001 for HBCUs, Historically Black Graduate Institutions, and HSIs as the first installment toward his goal of increasing these programs 30 percent by 2005. President Bush has also proposed an additional $1 billion for Pell Grants, increasing the maximum award for all students to provide more need-based grant aid to low-income college students.”

            “Our commitment to higher education in general, and access for minority students in particular, has never been stronger. We look forward to helping students from all walks of life learn and pursue the American Dream.”

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