Sheila Jackson Lee: “I want to make note of the fact that in some of the universities that participate in this program, the chairs-- meaning…”

“I want to make note of the fact that in some of the universities that participate in this program, the chairs-- meaning the faculty chairs--are a team of world-class scholars, researchers, and educators from 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, one Hispanic-serving institution, who advance research, enhance academics, promote partnerships, and effect outreach in the environmental sciences. Finally, the Minority Serving Institutions Program that includes a wide array of institutions provides funding to minority-serving institutions to advance scientific research, student internships, faculty fellowships, and curriculum development. Mr. Chair, the more we can invest in science and research, helping to improve our environment--and let me make it very clear, in urban and rural areas. This is not an urban program only. It is urban and rural areas. The more we can help our communities be clean and environmentally safe and secure, the more we create a better quality of life for all people, no matter what their economic station in life or where they live. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur for shepherding this legislation to the floor and for their commitment to preserving America's great natural environment and resources so that they can serve and be enjoyed by generations to come.…”