A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The HBCU Research Capacity Act aims to establish a Federal Clearinghouse on Grant Opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This clearinghouse will serve as a primary resource to identify Federal grant opportunities that support research, development, and institutional capacity. The Secretary of Education will lead this effort in coordination with several other federal agencies. The goal is to address barriers such as knowledge gaps and transparency to improve access to research funding. Additionally, the Act requires regular notifications and reports to both institutions and Congress.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets increasing the research capacity and funding access for institutions that serve a high percentage of Black students.
- Scored +5
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The bill works to reduce historical underfunding and knowledge gaps that affect Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Scored +4
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The clearinghouse is designed to help institutions identify and access more federal research and development expenditures.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill's focus on institutional research capacity does not directly benefit veterans.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased access to research funding: The Clearinghouse will provide comprehensive information on Federal grant opportunities for which institutions are eligible, specifically supporting research, development, and institutional capacity (Section 3, subsection a, paragraph 2).
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Guidance on building capacity: The Clearinghouse will include best practices and recommendations to help institutions build research capacity and access Federal research funding (Section 3, subsection b).
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Improved communication and updates: Institutions can choose to receive quarterly updates regarding the contents of the Clearinghouse (Section 4, subsection c, paragraph 1).
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Enhanced accountability: The Act requires the Secretary of Education to provide an annual report to Congress regarding the contents of the Clearinghouse (Section 4, subsection b).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Exemption from paperwork and advisory oversight: The Paperwork Reduction Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act will not apply to the rulemaking or information collection required for this section (Section 3, subsection a, paragraph 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets increasing the research capacity and funding access for institutions that serve a high percentage of Black students. Would students be better off under this? — The expansion of research capacity and funding opportunities benefits students attending these institutions. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased research capacity at HBCUs can lead to better educational outcomes for many low-income students.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The clearinghouse is designed to help institutions identify and access more federal research and development expenditures. Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill improves the ability of HBCUs to access and secure federal research and development funding.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill works to reduce historical underfunding and knowledge gaps that affect Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By increasing research diversity and institutional capacity, the bill aims to support national economic growth and innovation. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to expand research and development capacity at HBCUs, which supports long-term workforce and job growth.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The act establishes a clearinghouse to improve transparency regarding federal grant opportunities for HBCUs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill's focus on institutional research capacity does not directly benefit veterans.
- 6/17/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Tim ScottRepublican · South Carolina
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina