Sponsors (14)
The bill directs federal funds to modernize campus infrastructure, expand broadband, boost research and workforce capacity, and relieve some HBCU debt—improving safety and economic opportunity—while increasing federal spending, adding compliance and procurement complexity, and leaving some institutions without assistance under a competitive approach.
Students, staff, and campus communities at HBCUs and other colleges: receive federal competitive grants to repair and modernize aging facilities (labs, housing, utilities, safety systems), expand broadband, and address deferred maintenance, improving safety, learning conditions, and campus usability.
Students, faculty, and regional employers: gain expanded research capacity and workforce development (specialized equipment, AI/biotech/advanced manufacturing investments, and workforce hubs) that supports training, innovation, and local job creation.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): receive repayment of covered pre‑2021 Part D closed loan principal, interest, fees, and customary payoff items, reducing institutional debt burdens and freeing funds for operations and capital projects.
All taxpayers: the bill authorizes open‑ended funding for 2027–2032 and includes direct HBCU loan repayments, increasing federal spending with no specified offsets and potentially raising fiscal pressure or crowding out other priorities.
Many colleges and students (especially smaller or rural campuses): the competitive grant structure and exclusions (e.g., routine maintenance, some HEA activities, athletic/event facilities) mean not all needy institutions will receive funding, prolonging deferred maintenance and unmet capital needs.
Colleges and universities: new planning, reporting, and compliance requirements (180‑day master plans, detailed budgets and maintenance plans, limited admin reserves, health and enrollment reporting) create administrative burdens and additional costs that can divert funds from construction or operations.
Based on analysis of 9 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Department of Education competitive grant program to fund capital projects, broadband, research equipment, safety, and planning at HBCUs and mandates reporting and oversight.
Official title: Provide for the long-term improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 14, 2026 by Tim Scott · Last progress May 14, 2026
Creates a competitive grant program at the Department of Education to fund long‑term construction, modernization, technology, safety, and planning projects at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Grants may be used for major capital projects, digital broadband and research equipment (including AI and advanced manufacturing), workforce hubs, emergency repairs aligned with preventative maintenance plans, and related planning and governance activities. Requires grantees to submit comprehensive facilities master plans, prioritize small‑business procurement preferences (veteran‑owned and HUBZone firms), and comply with limits on routine uses. The Secretary must prioritize high‑need institutions, may repay certain pre‑2021 undisbursed HBCU capital loan amounts, report annually to Congress, and the Comptroller General must study program costs and implementation. Authorization of appropriations is open‑ended for FY2027–2032 (“such sums as may be necessary”).