Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise to discuss H.R. 4870, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. I want to thank the committee for fully funding the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Student Initiative. The $34.4 million allocation supports the educational development of a growing number of minority scholars in science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM. I was proud when the House Armed Services Committee, and then the full House, approved my amendment to increase funding for this initiative by $10 million in the National Defense Authorization Act. By providing the full $34.4 million today, the Appropriations Committee and the full House will, once again, demonstrate our commitment to these outstanding scholars. HBCUs produce one-fifth of the Nation's undergraduate science graduates and 20 percent of Black undergraduate engineers. This funding, through the NDAA, emphasizes our support for these students and encourages more minorities to take the STEM path. In the long run, producing more qualified minority STEM graduates ensures a strong and diversified workforce, which is essential to our Nation's long-term well-being. I have serious concerns about this bill. I wanted to use this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for the work of the House Appropriations Committee in support of this initiative.”