House Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. French Hill and Rep. Alma Adams, along with members Rep. Richard McCormick and Rep. Shomari Figures, introduced the HBCU Research Capacity Act on Apr. 16 in Washington, D.C., according to a statement from the caucus. The legislation aims to provide HBCUs with greater access to federal research funding by establishing a centralized clearinghouse for grant opportunities.
The act is intended to address longstanding disparities in how federal research dollars are distributed among higher education institutions. Despite producing a significant share of Black graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, HBCUs receive less than 1% of approximately $60 billion in annual federal research funding.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including the four we are blessed to have here in Arkansas, have been a source of opportunity and innovation for generations,” said Rep. Hill. “Despite their outsized contributions, HBCUs receive a fraction of the federal research funding available to them. The HBCU Research Capacity Act takes a practical step toward changing that by ensuring these institutions have the information and tools they need to compete for federal dollars and continue fulfilling their vital mission for generations to come.” Adams said: “HBCUs have always punched above their weight… That gap isn’t a reflection of merit, it’s a reflection of decades of systemic underfunding… The HBCU Research Capacity Act will help by giving our institutions a clear path to federal grant opportunities.” McCormick said: “The time to act is now if we want to keep America leading in the world of STEM… I’m proud to co-sponsor the HBCU Research Capacity Act that ensures these students can stay ahead in the global technology race.” Figures added: “With Alabama being home to the most HBCUs in the nation, this bill is a game-changer for the institutions in my state at the forefront of research and development because it creates a one-stop shop for all federal research funding opportunities… I will continue fighting for HBCUs to receive the resources they need…”
The proposed legislation would create an online clearinghouse offering regularly updated information about grant opportunities across multiple agencies as well as best practices guidance aimed at strengthening institutional competitiveness for grants. It also calls for increased coordination between agencies, regular reporting requirements, reviews of existing programs’ support levels for HBCUs, and efforts toward transparency.
Rich McCormick currently serves as U.S. Representative from Georgia’s 6th district after defeating Bob Christian with nearly 65% of votes cast according to Ballotpedia. He succeeded Lucy McBath as representative beginning his term in 2023 as noted on his official House page. McCormick was born in Las Vegas but now lives in Suwanee; he earned degrees from Oregon State University (1990) and National University (2010) according to his congressional biography.
Supporters say that by addressing barriers faced by historically underfunded colleges through improved access and guidance on applying for grants across government agencies—and tracking progress through required reporting—the bill could increase participation rates among eligible schools.
