Rep. Johnson helps secure HBCU funds in Defense Budget

Congressman helps procure $10M in research funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Minority Institutions in NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) announced today that he helped secure a $10 million increase in the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) intended base funding level for science research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs).

HASC “marked up,” or amended the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday. In an annual marathon session, the committee is considering hundreds of amendments to the authorization.

One of Rep. Johnson’s key amendments that passed increases science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) funding for HBCUs by $10 million to $35.9 million. The $10 million eliminates the Administration’s proposed cut. The Committee approved $35.9 million restores funding to the FY14 level and is $1.4 million above the current FY15 funding level. There is still work to be done to protect this support and funding in both chambers as Congress works to finalize both the authorization and appropriations process for DoD.

“Ensuring our nation’s leading experts and innovators are from diverse backgrounds only strengthens our ability to compete in the global marketplace,” said Johnson. “I will continue my unfaltering advocacy for HBCUs. We must give these talented students the resources they need to find new, innovative, cost-efficient solutions for health, human needs, energy, environmental and security challenges of the nation.”

Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) said: “UNCF and our 37-member historically black colleges and universities applaud Congressman Hank Johnson for his strong and unwavering efforts to ensure that HBCUs are able to make critical contributions to our national security through DoD-sponsored research and development activities. The HBCU/Minority-Serving Institutions research and development program has been targeted for ill-advised, severe cuts from the DoD for several years. However, due to the additional $10 million investment secured by Congressman Johnson, HBCUs will continue to cultivate their scientific and technological capabilities at military and university research laboratories, serving as a national resource for addressing cybersecurity and other national security needs.”

“HBCUs are the country’s top producers of undergraduates going on to earn doctorates in science and engineering. Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMC) commends Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Adam Smith and the entire House Armed Services Committee for investing in the DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minorities Institutions account (HBCU/MI),” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO of TMCF. “Our 47 HBCU member schools and their students benefit from research dollars and internships at DoD research labs that are possible because of this account. Our nation must continue to build a diverse pipeline of STEM professionals to meet diverse national security needs.”

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