U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), a member of the Congressional Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, addressed U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s (R-SC) third annual gathering for HBCU presidents and senior leadership. Spelman College, Morehouse University, Fort Valley State University, and Albany State University were represented at the event.

“HBCUs play an important role in educating America’s next generation of leaders,”said Senator Perdue. “By working across party lines, we’ve taken important steps to support HBCUs. For example, Congressman David Scott and I worked together to secure funding for HBCU agriculture scholarships in the final Farm Bill. Senator Cory Booker and I teamed up to address funding challenges HBCUs face when financing infrastructure improvements. We also supported minority women in STEM at HBCUs in the defense bill. These bipartisan results are a model for how Washington can work when the national interest is put ahead of self-interests. There is still more to be done, but I am hopeful that by partnering with universities and the business community, we will be able to keep students engaged, provide more mentorship and support, and ultimately build a more diverse and qualified workforce.”

This week, Senator Perdue introduced the HBCU PARTNERS Act with Senators Tim Scott and Chris Coons (D-DE). The HBCU PARTNERS Act requires federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to submit annual plans outlining goals and objectives to support HBCUs. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).