Rep. Figures Questions Ag Sec. Rollins on Paused USDA Grants for HBCU Land-Grant Schools

Questioning USDA Grant Pauses

• 🎯 Rep. Figures of Alabama questioned Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding the suspension of USDA grants for historically Black land-grant schools.
• 💡 The congressman highlighted the historical context of USDA's relationship with minority communities, especially in Alabama, noting that the grant pause resonated differently due to this history.
• 🏛️ Figures pointed out the perceived disparity: funding for historically white land-grant institutions (1862 schools) was not paused, while funding for historically Black land-grant institutions (1890 schools) was.
• ⏳ He suggested that the timing of the suspension and its reversal within five days indicated the decision might have been in motion before Secretary Rollins' confirmation.

Secretary Rollins' Response and Commitment

• ❓ Secretary Rollins stated she did not have the specific details on the grant pause as it occurred before her tenure but committed to researching it.
• 🤝 She affirmed the current administration's strong commitment to HBCUs and assured that the grant pause was an "imperfect process" and not racially motivated.
• 🤝 Figures expressed a desire to work with the Secretary to prevent similar issues in the future, emphasizing the need to avoid racially motivated actions.

Focus on Rural Hospitals

• 🏥 Rep. Figures raised concerns about the critical state of rural hospitals in his district and across Alabama, with many at risk of closure.
• 📈 He stressed the importance of these hospitals for supporting rural communities, farmers, and remaining industries.
• 🤝 Figures requested a meeting with Secretary Rollins to explore leveraging USDA programs to support and keep rural hospitals operational.
• 💬 Secretary Rollins acknowledged the critical role of rural infrastructure, including hospitals, housing, and childcare, in maintaining thriving rural communities and expressed focus on this issue.