Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7913

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Last Updated

2026-04-02T14:38:20Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill, titled the Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act, aims to update and extend federal grants and fellowships for education in food and agricultural sciences. It modernizes program priorities and secures long-term funding to train professionals in these fields.

Key Provisions

• Updated Grant Priorities (amending Section 1417(c) of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977):
• Adds a new focus on "teaching enhancement projects," which include paid work-based learning (like internships or apprenticeships).
• Targets training needs for professionals in:
• Food and agricultural sciences.
• Rural economic, community, and business development.
• Funding Authorization (amending Section 1417(m)):
• Allocates $60 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 (fiscal years are the federal government's budget periods, running October 1 to September 30).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands Priorities: Previously, the law listed two priorities for grants; this adds a third emphasizing hands-on teaching and work experience in agriculture and rural development.
• Extends and Increases Funding: Reauthorizes appropriations through 2035 at a fixed $60 million per year, building on prior levels without specifying previous amounts.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees these grants, will have stable funding to award more competitive grants to educational institutions.
• Citizens and Education: Increases opportunities for college students and faculty in agriculture-related fields through enhanced teaching programs and paid learning experiences, potentially leading to better-trained workers.
• Rural Areas: Boosts workforce development in rural communities by addressing shortages in business and economic skills, which could support local economies.
• No direct international effects mentioned.

Main Stakeholders

• Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities with food, agriculture, or rural development programs, eligible for grants.
• Students and Faculty: Beneficiaries of fellowships, enhanced teaching, and paid work-based learning.
• Rural Communities and Businesses: Gain from a larger pool of trained professionals in economic and community development.
• USDA and Congress: Agencies administering funds; lawmakers approving budgets.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing grant programs under the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 without creating new ones, ensuring continuity.
• Constitutional: Relies on Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8) to fund education initiatives.
• Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. McClain Delaney and Vindman); focuses on practical workforce needs in agriculture and rural America, potentially aiding long-term food security and economic growth in underserved areas. No controversial elements noted in the text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (2 pages)