Rick Allen: “I rise today to respectfully urge my colleagues to support S. 196, the minority-serving institution Digital and Wireless…”

“I rise today to respectfully urge my colleagues to support S. 196, the minority-serving institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2003. This legislation will provide vital resources to address the technology gap that exists at many minority-serving institutions. It establishes a new grant program within the National Science Foundation that provides annually for 5 years up to $250 million to help historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal colleges to close what is often called the digital divide, when, in fact, what it really is is an 'economic opportunity divide.' Since the days before I was elected to the Senate, my goal was to look for ways to improve education and empower all our young people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, or their economic background, so that they can compete and succeed in life. Additionally, I strongly believe we need to embrace the advancements and innovations in technology--especially as a means to provide greater opportunities or security for Americans.”