H.R.1271 - To provide additional funding for scholarships for students at 1890 institutions, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1271 aims to provide additional funding for scholarships at 1890 institutions, which are historically Black land-grant universities. The bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to increase funding for scholarships, including those for bachelor's and graduate programs. It mandates $15 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation for these scholarships, starting in fiscal year 2025.
Additionally, the bill makes discretionary funding available each fiscal year after 2020. The bill also adjusts the language regarding the availability of funding for succeeding academic years to align with the mandatory funding provision.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would increase the financial resources available to students attending 1890 institutions, potentially leading to increased enrollment and graduation rates. The mandatory funding provision ensures a stable source of financial aid for these students.
The amendment to discretionary funding allows for continuous support beyond the previously specified years. This could improve educational outcomes and career opportunities for students in agricultural and related fields.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to higher education for students at 1890 institutions.
- Stable and predictable funding for scholarships through mandatory allocations.
- Expanded educational opportunities, including graduate programs.
- Potential for a more diverse and skilled workforce in agriculture.
- Support for institutions that play a critical role in serving underserved communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on the Commodity Credit Corporation's budget.
- Possible reallocation of resources from other agricultural programs.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on 1890 institutions, potentially neglecting other underserved student populations.
- The bill does not address the root causes of educational disparities, such as inadequate K-12 preparation.
- Dependence on continued Congressional support for discretionary funding.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare, and supporting education, particularly in underserved communities, can be argued to fall under this power.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The bill's focus on agricultural education aligns with the federal government's historical role in supporting such initiatives through land-grant colleges.
However, the constitutionality of using the Commodity Credit Corporation funds could be debated, depending on the original authorization and scope of that entity.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).