A Republican bill with 9 Democratic cosponsors · See all 13 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
This bill, known as the "IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act," aims to support the long-term improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities through competitive grants. These grants are intended for various infrastructure needs, including facility modernization, technology upgrades, and research equipment. The Secretary of Education will award funds based on specific priorities such as campus need, financial capacity, and student demographics. The act also addresses the repayment of certain closed loan agreements. Additionally, it requires periodic reports from the Department of Education and the Comptroller General to ensure effectiveness and informed future funding.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +9
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets the improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Scored +8
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The bill provides targeted funding for the long-term improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Scored +6
Would students be better off under this?
Students benefit from modernized laboratories, improved campus safety, and better digital infrastructure.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Campus Safety and Health: Grants can be used to reduce risks to the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, faculty, and guests by addressing facility conditions (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Modernized Learning Environments: Funds can support the construction or renovation of instructional laboratories and research facilities in fields like science, technology, engineering, and the arts (Section 3(a)(1)(A)).
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Enhanced Digital Access: The bill allows for the installation or expansion of high-speed broadband and other telecommunications infrastructure to support digital learning (Section 3(a)(6)).
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Job Creation and Career Readiness: Grants may fund the development of infrastructure that supports job creation and workforce development hubs aligned with regional labor market needs (Section 3(a)(1)(G)).
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Increased Campus Accessibility: Funds can be used to modernize or purchase vehicle fleets used for campus accessibility and academic activities (Section 3(a)(2)).
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Support for Small Businesses: The act encourages eligible entities to seek contracts from small business concerns owned by veterans and qualified HUBZone businesses (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Fund Usage: Eligible entities are prohibited from using grant funds for routine maintenance, minor repairs, utility bills, or certain athletic facilities (Section 3(b)).
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Funding Limitations for Certain Activities: Activities funded under part B of title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 require specific Secretary approval to use grant funds (Section 3(b)(4)).
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Requirement to Supplement Rather Than Supplant: Entities must use grant funds to supplement, not replace, existing Federal, State, and local public funds (Section 3(c)).
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 the improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Would students be better off under this? — Students benefit from modernized laboratories, improved campus safety, and better digital infrastructure. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Improved campus facilities and digital access benefit college-aged students. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes institutions with high percentages of Pell Grant eligible students. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill encourages the use of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans for project contracts.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds infrastructure that supports job creation and workforce development hubs. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill encourages grant recipients to seek contracts from small business concerns owned by veterans and HUBZone businesses.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill provides funding to install or expand high-speed broadband and telecommunications infrastructure on campuses. Does this make college cost less? — The bill supports the long-term stability and modernization of HBCU institutions.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill provides targeted funding for the long-term improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill allows grants to be used for constructing or improving campus roads and transportation infrastructure.
- 8/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/29/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/14/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 7 Cosponsors 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
John BoozmanRepublican · Arkansas
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
James JusticeRepublican · West Virginia
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Jon OssoffDemocrat · Georgia
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia