Honoring United Negro College Fund on 60th Anniversary

HONORING UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND ON 60TH ANNIVERSARY -- (House of Representatives - September 29, 2004)

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 792) honoring the United Negro College Fund on the occasion of the Fund's 60th anniversary and the Fund's unflagging dedication to enhancing top-quality college opportunities to millions of students.

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GENERAL LEAVE

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 792.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bonner). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Georgia?

There was no objection.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H. Res. 792, honoring the United Negro College Fund on the occasion of the fund's 60th anniversary. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for bringing this resolution to the floor of the House. All members on our committee recognize the important role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in the postsecondary education environment. Moreover, we recognize the dedication and commitment the United Negro College Fund has made to enhance top-quality college opportunities for millions of students.

In my home district, I have two historically black institutions, Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, and Savannah State University in Savannah, two of our State's leading institutions of higher education. The United Negro College Fund is the Nation's oldest and largest minority higher education assistance organization that has helped to raise more than $2.3 billion to assist over 300,000 students attend college.

Not only does the United Negro College Fund have a mission to enhance the quality of education by providing financial assistance to students but the organization raises operating funds for member colleges and universities and increases access to technology for students and faculty at HBCUs. Additionally, the United Negro College Fund ensures that first-generation college students have the resources and support they need to pursue the dream of a college education. The contributions made by the United Negro College Fund and its member institutions are undeniable. UNCF member institutions enroll 7 percent of African American college students nationwide and are responsible for producing a significant number of all bachelor's, master's and professional degrees earned by African Americans. In many instances, UNCF member institutions do not have access to the resources or endowment income that other institutions can draw upon. Despite this, with the assistance of UNCF, these institutions tend to keep their tuitions affordable in comparison with other institutions of higher education.

For over 60 years, the United Negro College Fund has made it possible for students to pursue the dream of higher education, and the organization has ensured that its member institutions have the resources and support to provide students with educational opportunities. I urge my colleagues to recognize and honor the important contributions that have been made by the United Negro College Fund, its member institutions, and their graduates and to vote "yes" on this worthy resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Boehner, Ranking Member MILLER, the gentlewoman from California and others who have supported H. Res. 792. Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors the United Negro College Fund on its 60th anniversary. I urge my colleagues to vote "yes" on this resolution.

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 792.

The question was taken.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of those present have voted in the affirmative.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.