Expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2025, be observed as the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 691
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T18:17:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 691) expresses the sense of Congress in recognizing the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions—historically Black land-grant universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. It aims to honor their contributions to education, agricultural research, and community extension services, while encouraging observances, partnerships, and efforts to address historical funding inequities.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) on the history and role of the 1890 Institutions, followed by six specific points in the "Resolved" section:
- Recognition of contributions: Acknowledges 135 years of impactful work by these institutions in the United States.
- Encouragement of observances: Urges Federal and State ceremonies, events, and activities to mark the anniversary on August 30, 2025.
- Celebration of collaborative efforts: Highlights the work of the 19 institutions in addressing national agricultural research and extension needs.
- Support for partnerships: Backs stronger ties between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other Federal agencies with these institutions.
- Promotion of task forces: Encourages other Federal agencies to create groups similar to the USDA-1890 Task Force (established in 1988) to foster collaboration.
- Commitment to equity: Pledges bipartisan action to correct past funding and program disparities for these institutions.
Background details cover the institutions' founding (e.g., Lincoln University in 1866), their student enrollment (over 88,000 in fields like agriculture, STEM, and sciences), supporting organizations (e.g., Council of 1890 Universities), Federal investments (e.g., scholarships, centers of excellence), matching fund requirements, and partnerships like the 2022 USDA memorandum of understanding.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend or create new laws. It reaffirms existing Federal support mechanisms, such as those in the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, the Smith-Lever Act, the Hatch Act of 1887, and recent farm bills (e.g., 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act), but introduces no legal changes.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Encourages enhanced collaboration between USDA and other agencies with the 1890 Institutions, potentially leading to more integrated programs for research, education, and farmer assistance. It may influence future budget priorities for scholarships ($60 million allocated in 2025) and facility improvements.
- On citizens: Benefits students at these universities through highlighted scholarship and internship opportunities, and supports disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (especially in underserved communities) via extension services and targeted aid.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the focus is domestic agricultural education and equity.
Overall, the resolution has symbolic effects, raising awareness and promoting equity without enforceable mandates, which could indirectly boost enrollment, research output, and community programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- 1890 Institutions: The 19 historically Black universities (e.g., Alcorn State University, Florida A&M University) and their affiliates, including the Council of 1890 Universities, Association of 1890 Research Directors, Association of Extension Administrators, and 1890 Universities Foundation.
- Students and educators: Over 88,000 undergraduate and graduate students, plus faculty in agriculture, STEM, and related fields.
- Federal and state governments: USDA (via task forces and partnerships), Congress (bipartisan commitment), and states (required to match Federal funds under existing laws).
- Communities and farmers: Disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, families, and rural areas served by extension programs, particularly in the South and historically underserved regions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a "sense of Congress" resolution, it carries no binding force but signals legislative intent, potentially guiding future appropriations or executive actions (e.g., aligning with Executive Order 14283 on HBCU excellence).
- Constitutional: Reinforces principles of equal educational access under the Equal Protection Clause by addressing historical inequities in funding for institutions serving African American communities, without creating new rights or obligations.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), emphasizing equity in Federal-State partnerships. It highlights ongoing commitments to philanthropy, private initiatives, and addressing past disparities, which could influence farm bill negotiations or agency priorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2025, be observed as the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions. — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (6 pages)