Sens. Scott, Ossoff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost National Security Opportunities for HBCU Students

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) today introduced the bipartisan HBCU National Security Innovation Act, to help connect students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with national security and innovation programs in the defense industry and private sector.

“As technology continues to advance, our nation faces unprecedented threats that will require new skills and innovation,” said Sen. Scott. “That’s why I am proud to work to build an enduring connection between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Department of Defense. This bill will not only open doors to new opportunities for diverse students, but it will also allow the Department of Defense to tap into a deeper talent pool than ever before, bolstering our national security for years to come.”

“The HBCU National Security Innovation Act will support the growth of America’s HBCU’s in research, development, and innovation vital to American national security,” Sen. Ossoff said. 

Sen. Scott is also a consponsor of the bipartisan Cybersecurity Opportunity Act, which would expand cybersecurity training programs at HBCUs and other institutions that serve a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients in South Carolina and nationwide.

As co-chair of the bipartisan, Congressional HBCU caucus, Sen. Scott has long championed legislation to support and improve our nation’s HBCUs.

• In 2019, his FUTURE Act was signed into law, permanently reauthorizing HBCU funding. 
• In 2020, his HBCU Partners Act was signed into law, strengthening the relationship between HBCUs and federal agencies.
• In May of 2021, he introduced the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to invest in infrastructure at HBCUs, enabling them to expand their transformational work.
• In August of 2021, he introduced a resolution to formally designate the week of September 6, 2021 as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.”

Click here to read the HBCU National Security Innovation Act.  

# # #