Rep. David Scott Confronts Agriculture Secretary on HBCU Funding Rollback

Accusations of Funding Rollback

• 🎯 Rep. David Scott accused Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins of advocating for the suspension of funding to 1890s African-American colleges and universities.
• ⚠️ Scott characterized this alleged action as causing "damage, backwardness, and evil."

Secretary Rollins' Defense

• 🛡️ Secretary Rollins denied the premise of Scott's accusation, stating that fully funding HBCUs was her project during the Trump administration.
• 🤝 She affirmed her continued support for HBCUs, DCUs, and 1890 projects, emphasizing her long history of advocacy.
• 🔍 Rollins clarified that while all programs at USDA are under review for taxpayer efficiency, support for these projects remains paramount.

Bipartisan Support for HBCUs

• 📈 Rep. Scott highlighted the significant bipartisan support for the HBCU funding program, noting the committee's vote to increase funding from $80 million to $200 million.
• 🏛️ He stressed the historical importance of land-grant colleges, tracing their origins back to General William Dempsa Sherman's post-Civil War revitalization program for the South.
• ⚖️ Scott explained the establishment of separate land-grant colleges for the African-American community in 1890, stemming from the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Commitment to HBCU Programs

• ✅ Both Scott and Rollins expressed commitment to these vital programs, with Rollins affirming the President's unequivocal support.
• 🎓 Scott shared his personal connection as a graduate of Florida A&M University, emphasizing the role of scholarships in his educational journey.