Walker's Legislation to Codify President Trump's Action on HBCUs Passes the House

U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) today released the following statement upon the House passage of the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (HBCU PARTNERS) Act -- legislation he introduced alongside U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.). U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

"Creating a comprehensive federal partnership with America's HBCUs is essential for Congress' shared goal of directing unprecedented support for North Carolina's HBCUs like North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central, Bennett, Johnson, C. Smith, and Shaw -- proud and historic institutions which I am privileged to support," Walker said. "With this bipartisan legislation, the HBCU PARTNERS Act further cements our nation's commitment to these vital educational institutions."

The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the President's 2017 executive order on HBCUs. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation in those programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions' priorities and policy concerns to be raised.

Read the full legislation in its entirety here.

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