February 10, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 27 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
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HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs) HOMELAND SECURITY PARTNERSHIPS ACT; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 27
(House of Representatives - February 10, 2020)
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[Pages H981-H983] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs) HOMELAND SECURITY PARTNERSHIPS ACT Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1494) to strengthen partnerships between historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions and the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1494 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act''. SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT-WIDE STRATEGY FOR ENHANCED PARTNERSHIPS WITH HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans of the Department, shall-- (1) issue a Department-wide strategy to enhance partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions that includes yearly goals, including goals related to improving recruitment and hiring, research and development, and acquisition opportunities at such institutions, through fiscal year 2025; and (2) require the head of each component of the Department to-- (A) not later than 150 days after the date of the issuance under paragraph (1) of the Department-wide strategy, develop a component-specific action plan to implement such strategy; (B) monitor progress on such implementation; and (C) not later than one year after the date of such issuance, report to the Secretary regarding progress on such implementation. SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS. The Secretary shall seek to enhance partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and minority- serving institutions with respect to administering the research and development activities of the Department by, among other things-- (1) encouraging the participation of such colleges, universities, and institutions in the research, development, testing, and evaluation programs and activities of the Department; (2) facilitating partnerships between such colleges, universities, and institutions and private sector stakeholders, national laboratories, and other academic institutions in areas important to homeland security, including cybersecurity, emergency management, and counterterrorism; and (3) distributing funds through Science and Technology Directorate grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to such colleges, universities, and institutions for enhancements in areas important to homeland security, including cybersecurity, emergency management, and counterterrorism. SEC. 4. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES PARTNERSHIPS. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief Human Capitol Officer of the Department, shall make available to historically Black colleges and universities and minority- serving institutions a current list of internship, fellowship, scholarship, and recruitment opportunities within the Department for students and recent graduates of such colleges, universities, and institutions. SEC. 5. ACQUISITION PARTNERSHIPS. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief Procurement Officer of the Department, shall-- (1) identify how to increase the participation of historically Black colleges and universities and minority- serving institutions in Department acquisitions, including identifying existing opportunities for historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to participate in the contracting program of the Small Business Administration for minorities; and (2) disseminate to such colleges, universities, and institutions-- (A) information identified in accordance with paragraph (1); and (B) current and future opportunities to participate in Department acquisitions. SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) Annual Report.--Not later than December 31, 2020, and annually thereafter through 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the efforts of the Department to partner with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to carry out this Act. (b) Reporting Requirements.--The annual reports required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A list of awards, including the corresponding monetary value for each such award, to historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions, disaggregated by grant, contract, cooperative agreement, and other research development test and evaluation activity, initiative, and program. (2) A description of how the Department is partnering with historically Black colleges and universities and minority- serving institutions under the programs referred to in sections 3 and 5, and how such programs have helped such colleges, universities, and institutions participate in acquisitions with the Department. (3) A summary of outreach efforts to historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions, and an identification of any Department programs and initiatives in which such colleges, universities, and institutions are under-represented among institutions of higher education. (4) A description of the status of efforts made by the Department pursuant to sections 2 and 4, including-- (A) for section 2, Department-wide goals pursuant to the Department-wide strategy to enhance partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and minority- serving institutions under such section, and the status of efforts to implement action plans throughout the Department to carry out such strategy; and (B) for section 4, participation rates in each internship, fellowship, scholarship, and recruitment opportunity referred to in such section, listed by historically Black college and university and minority-serving institution so participating. (5) A list of memoranda of understanding entered into by the Department with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions and information on the parties and scope of each such memorandum of understanding. SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of Homeland Security. (2) Historically black colleges and universities.--The term ``historically Black colleges and universities'' means a part B institution described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)). (3) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (4) Minority-serving institutions.--The term ``minority- serving institutions'' means an institution of higher education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)). (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means Secretary of Homeland Security. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Torres Small) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Crenshaw) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico. General Leave Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure. [[Page H982]] The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from New Mexico? There was no objection. Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 1494, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act. Mr. Speaker, historically Black colleges and universities, HBCUs, and minority-serving institutions, MSIs, play a pivotal role in American society. HBCUs, which make up only 3 percent of the United States' institutions of higher education, produce nearly 30 percent of all bachelor's degrees earned by African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM fields. My State, New Mexico, is home to 18 Hispanic-serving institutions, which, like HBCUs, produce a large percentage of underrepresented minorities who study and work in STEM. Nationwide, Hispanic-serving institutions account for 66 percent of the more than 3.5 million undergraduate Hispanics enrolled in higher education. The contributions of HBCUs, HSIs, and other minority-serving institutions prove that, when these institutions have equitable opportunities, it drives our economy and improves outcomes within minority communities. It is also true of these institutions' ability to do work for the Federal Government. The Department of Homeland Security, DHS, specifically has always understood the value of working with such institutions. However, the partnership is nowhere near its full potential. DHS has even acknowledged that its existing programs for engaging with HBCUs are being underutilized. H.R. 1494 would require DHS to issue a strategy with yearly goals to enhance these partnerships. This strategy will include specific measurable goals to ensure the Department's progress in working with HBCUs and HSIs. Mr. Speaker, Federal investment in and partnership with HBCUs and MSIs is vital for the strength of our economy and the advancement of our society. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to ensure effective partnership between DHS and HBCUs and MSIs. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, Washington, DC, January 30, 2020. Hon. Bennie Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: I am writing with respect to H.R. 1494, the ``Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act.'' Thank you for consulting with the Committee on Small Business regarding the matters in H.R. 1494 that fall within the Committee's jurisdiction. As a result of your consultation with us on this measure and in order to expeditiously move the bill to the floor, I forego further consideration of H.R. 1494. The Committee on Small Business takes this action with our mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues that fall within our jurisdiction. Further, I request your support for the appointment of an appropriate number of conferees from the Committee on Small Business during any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming our understanding regarding H.R. 1494 and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the measure. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Nydia M. Velazquez, Chairwoman. ____ Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, January 30, 2020. Hon. Nydia Velazquez, Chairwoman, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Velazquez: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 1494, the ``Historically Black Colleges and Universities Homeland Security Partnerships Act.'' I recognize that the Committee on Small Business has a jurisdictional interest in H.R. 1494, and appreciate your effort to allow this bill to be considered on the House floor. I concur with you that forgoing action on the bill does not in any way prejudice the Committee on Small Business with respect to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or similar legislation in the future, and I would support your effort to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House--Senate conference involving this legislation. I will include our letters on H.R. 1494 in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill. I look forward to working with you on this legislation and other matters of great importance to this nation. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman. Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1494, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act. H.R. 1494 seeks to increase partnerships and opportunities between historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and the Department of Homeland Security. The bill requires DHS to develop a departmentwide strategy to enhance partnerships with HBCUs and minority-serving institutions and seeks to further such partnerships, specifically in relation to the research and development activities of DHS. I applaud my colleague, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, for his efforts to bring this bill forward. I think this is an important undertaking that will improve the work of DHS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson). Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1494, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act. As a two-time HBCU graduate, I have long been an advocate of these important institutions and creating more opportunities for them to work with the Federal Government. Throughout the 15 years that I have served on the Committee on Homeland Security, I have made it a priority to facilitate dialogue between the HBCUs and the Department of Homeland Security on how to build meaningful partnerships. As the gentlewoman from New Mexico has already mentioned, HBCUs and minority-serving institutions have and continue to make great contributions to American society. That is why it is critical that we encourage DHS to strengthen partnerships between HBCUs and MSIs. After Hurricanes Katrina and Maria, it became clear how the absence of individuals from minority communities in homeland security decisionmaking, such as emergency management and planning, hinders our ability to serve all affected communities equally. Minority communities are disproportionately impacted by natural hazards and disasters. It is imperative that the students of those communities--HBCU and MSI students--are not left on the sidelines and are encouraged to contribute to such planning and equipped to respond. Enactment of my bill will take a step in this direction, as it requires DHS to develop a strategy to strengthen its capacity to provide research and development, contracting, and internships and career opportunities to HBCUs and MSIs and their students or recent graduates. The bill also requires the Department to do more outreach and disseminate more information to these institutions. Such information includes internships and career opportunities and how HBCUs and MSIs may qualify to participate in Federal acquisitions. I thank my colleague from Missouri, Representative Luetkemeyer, for his support on this important measure. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on its passage. Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1494 seeks to facilitate dialogue between the Department of Homeland Security and HBCUs and MSIs on how to find areas of opportunity to build more productive partnerships. Collaborating with these diverse institutions is not only economically and culturally beneficial, it is [[Page H983]] necessary to effectively respond to current, emerging, and consistent homeland security threats. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1494 the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act. This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to strengthen the partnerships between the Department and HBCU's. In turn, this would expose the talented students attending these institutions to more robust recruitment and hiring by the Department along with better cooperation by these institutions in DHS research and testing programs. HBCU's and other Minority Serving Institutions have provided a quality education to millions of Americans seeking to gain knowledge and to better their career prospects. Many of the students who are attending these institutions come from diverse backgrounds and are the first in their families to pursue a postsecondary education. It is my strong belief that our federal workforce should be as diverse as possible so that the work our government does can impact all Americans. With the passage of this legislation today, the Department of Homeland Security will take a step towards a more diverse workforce. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Torres Small) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1494, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________
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