Brian Jones: “thank you. I appreciate your comment, ``The Senator for Alabama.'' That is exactly how I like to be recognized, so thank…”

“thank you. I appreciate your comment, ``The Senator for Alabama.'' That is exactly how I like to be recognized, so thank you very much. Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 2486 Mr. President, I rise today to appeal to my colleagues to support the renewal of vital funding for historically Black colleges and universities and all minority-serving institutions. I have risen in this body on more than one occasion to talk about the importance of HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. Alabama is home to 14 HBCUs--more than any other State in the country. They are part of the fabric of our economy in Alabama and a part of the fabric of our society. They are the pride of their communities. They are the pride of those folks who went there and had relatives who went there and even those individuals who are not alums or relatives of alums. Our HBCUs are a source of enduring pride in our State and across this country. They serve an incredibly important function. They educate those from underserved communities more than any other college or university. It is important that we continue funding them because their challenges with funding are great. They do not have the endowments that other colleges and universities have. They don't have the source of funding. It is only through our efforts in Congress and across the country that we can continue the great work of these HBCUs. Recently, the House passed what is known as the FUTURE Act, which is H.R. 2486.…”