Skip to main content
SENATE · 119TH CONGRESS
PendingNEVER CALLED UPCHANGES TEXT

Create competitive infrastructure grants for HBCUs

S.Amdt. 6836 to S. 4668, Protect College Sports Act of 2026. Offered by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).

—NO VOTE YETNot called upNOT OFFERED ON THE FLOOR
  1. FILEDSEP 28, 2026
  2. CALLED UPNOT YET
  3. DECIDEDNOT YET
YOUR TAKEShould it be adopted?
WHAT IT WOULD CHANGE

In plain English

WHAT IT DOES

Replaces title III with a program directing the Education Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible HBCUs for long-term campus improvements, including construction, repairs, equipment, broadband and safety projects.

IF ADOPTED

Eligible HBCUs could seek federal grants for campus improvements, subject to project-use limits and planning and reporting requirements.

WORTH KNOWING
  • Effect depends on parent bill. Even if this amendment is adopted, it only takes real-world effect if the parent bill ultimately becomes law. Most bills don't.

SUMMARY WRITTEN FROM THE AMENDMENT TEXT AND ITS STATED PURPOSE · REPORT AN ERROR

THE TEXT, AS A REDLINESTRUCKINSERTED
STRUCKINSERTED
StrikeTITLE III--HBCU SPORTS MEDIA AND CONNECTIVITY PROGRAMand insert the following:TITLE III--IGNITE HBCU EXCELLENCE SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the “Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for HBCU Excellence Act” or the “IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act”. SEC. 302. GRANTS FOR THE LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT OF HBCUS. (a) In General.-- (1) Grants authorized.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities, on a competitive basis, to support long-term improvements to the facilities of such entities in accordance with this title. (2) Grant period.--With respect to each eligible entity that is awarded a grant under this section, such grant shall be for a period determined appropriate by the Secretary based on the information submitted by such entity under subsection (b). (3) Multiple grants permitted.--An eligible entity may apply for, and be awarded, more than 1 grant under this section. (b) Application.--To be considered for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including-- (1) to the extent possible, the information necessary for the Secretary to make the determinations under subsection (c); (2) a description of the projects that such eligible entity plans to carry out with the grant and how such projects will advance the long-term goals of the entity; (3) an explanation of-- (A) how such projects will reduce risks to the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, administrators, faculty, researchers, and guests at such eligible entity; and (B) the anticipated number of years that any facilities constructed, improved, or replaced under such projects may be used before presenting a risk described in subparagraph (A); (4) the median age of the facilities that such entity plans to improve or replace under such projects; and (5) in the case of an eligible entity seeking to carry out facility repairs described in section 303(a)(3), a preventative maintenance plan for such repairs. (c) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary-- (1) shall give priority to an eligible entity that-- (A) demonstrates the greatest need to improve campus facilities, as determined by a comparison of factors identified by the Secretary, which may include-- (i) consideration of threats posed by the proximity of such facilities to toxic sites; (ii) the vulnerability of such facilities to natural disasters and environmental risks; (iii) the median age of the facilities that such entity will use grant funds to improve; (iv) the extent to which student enrollment exceeds physical and instructional capacity; (v) the condition of major systems in such facilities such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, water, and sewer systems; (vi) the condition of roofs, windows, and doors of such facilities; (vii) other critical health and safety conditions; (viii) the number and condition of facilities in significant disrepair; and (ix) the total amount of deferred maintenance of such facilities; (B) demonstrates the most limited capacity to raise funds for the long-term improvement of campus facilities, as determined by an assessment of-- (i) the current and historic ability of the eligible entity to raise funds for construction, renovation, modernization, and major repair projects for campus; (ii) whether the eligible entity has been able to issue bonds or receive other funds to support school construction projects; (iii) the bond rating of the eligible entity; (iv) the number of students enrolled as of the date on which the application is submitted; (v) the total value of the endowment of the eligible entity as of the date on which the application is submitted; (vi) the total amount of deferred maintenance of such facilities; and (vii) the amount and sources of institutional revenue; (C) enrolls the highest percentages of students who are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.), and whose families qualify for other Federal need-based aid; (D) is a public institution that-- (i) faces declining State support or investment; and (ii) demonstrates limited ability to generate revenue, as determined by assessing-- (I) the total value of the endowment of the institution as of the date on which the application is submitted; and (II) the costs of the deferred maintenance of the institution relative to the total revenue of the institution; and (E) demonstrates an effort to seek support from public and private entities for projects carried out with a grant awarded under this title; and (2) may give priority to an eligible entity-- (A) that lacks access to high-speed broadband and will use the grant funds to improve access to high-speed broadband sufficient to support digital and technology-based learning in accordance with section 303(a)(6); (B) at which the highest degree that is predominantly awarded to students is an associate's degree; (C) that did not receive a grant under this title in the preceding fiscal year; or (D) that proposes projects aligned with long-term infrastructure priorities that-- (i) serve as regional models, as determined by the Secretary; (ii) address multiple needs on the campus of the entity; (iii) address the needs of at least 1 eligible entity in addition to the entity receiving the grant; or (iv) encourage efforts described in section 303(d). (d) Geographic Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure that grants under this section are awarded to eligible entities in a manner that reflects the geographic distribution of such entities in the United States. (e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, directly or by grant or contract, may provide technical assistance to eligible entities to prepare the entities to qualify, apply for, and maintain a grant, under this title. (f) Relationship to HBCU Capital Financing Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary may take into consideration whether an eligible entity has received a loan under a loan agreement made under part D of title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1066 et seq.) when-- (A) reviewing grant applications under this section; (B) determining priority under subsection (c); and (C) determining the amount awarded for a grant under this title. (2) Priority.--With respect to paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary may-- (A) determine that an eligible entity should not receive priority under subsection (c) if such entity has received a loan under a loan agreement made under part D of title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1066 et seq.); and (B) determine that an eligible entity should receive higher priority under subsection (c) if such entity has not received a loan under a loan agreement made under part D of title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1066 et seq.). SEC. 303. GRANT USES. (a) Permitted Uses.--Except as provided in subsection (b), an eligible entity that receives a grant under this title shall use such grant funds to carry out at least one of the following activities: (1) Construct, modernize, renovate, or retrofit the campus facilities of such entity, which may include-- (A) improving existing, or establishing new, instructional laboratories or workforce-aligned (as determined by the Secretary) research facilities relating to fields of health, science, technology, engineering, the arts, agriculture, education, and other disciplines as determined by the Secretary; (B) constructing or improving roads or other transportation infrastructure on campus, for which the eligible entity is responsible; (C) preserving facilities with historic significance and facilities that house historic or cultural artifacts; (D) constructing, modernizing, renovating, and retrofitting any campus facility or dormitory (including dining facilities) or other facility customarily used for housing students; (E) improving security and safety for students, faculty, and staff; (F) installing or upgrading water, wastewater, power, and underground infrastructure; and (G) developing facilities or infrastructure that support job creation, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunities, including establishing workforce development hubs that-- (i) are aligned with regional labor market needs; (ii) focus on fields such as artificial intelligence; and (iii) support education, training, and career placement for students. (2) Purchase, manufacture, or modernize vehicle fleets owned and operated by such entity that are used primarily for the purpose of facilitating campus accessibility and student academic activities. (3) Carry out repairs, including with respect to deferred maintenance, to the facilities of such eligible entity in accordance with the preventative maintenance plan submitted under section 302(b)(5). (4) Acquire and install research-related equipment and technology in the campus facilities of such entity, including specialty equipment with respect to emerging fields (as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the head of the eligible entity), such as artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, biotechnology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. (5) For the purpose of facilitating the construction of new campus facilities that are not primarily used for classroom instruction or academic activities-- (A) purchase or otherwise acquire title to land to serve as a permanent site for such facilities; and (B) to the extent that other public or private funds are insufficient-- (i) prepare land for the construction of such facilities; and (ii) pay other preconstruction costs relating to the development of such facilities. (6) Install or extend the life of basic systems and components of campus facilities, which may include-- (A) high-speed broadband internet infrastructure sufficient to support digital and technology-based learning; (B) high-capacity, middle-mile broadband networks, and campus-wide broadband networks, including 5G and future network generations; (C) fiber, cyber, and telecommunications infrastructure, including small cells; (D) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or other indoor air quality systems; (E) support for last-mile service for rural campuses when other means of providing this support is unavailable; and (F) other infrastructure to support the success of operations and other digital and technology needs. (7) Strengthen the safety and security of the campus of such entity by improving or utilizing design elements, principles, and technology that-- (A) guarantee layers of security throughout such campus; and (B) uphold the function of such campus as a learning and teaching environment. (8) Strengthen institutional planning and governance to support long-term infrastructure goals by-- (A) developing or updating campus infrastructure master plans, facility condition assessments, deferred maintenance strategies, or long-term capital project timeliness; (B) aligning campus infrastructure master plans with academic and workforce priorities, including with respect to the facilities used by programs in high-demand fields (as determined by the Secretary) in order to address the needs of such facilities and support the growth of such programs; (C) modernizing auxiliary services to improve financial sustainability, service quality, or institutional competitiveness; (D) supporting high-quality research and development efforts, including planning and expanding partnerships with manufacturers, employers, or innovation stakeholders that strengthen infrastructure and innovation; and (E) establishing or expanding offices or initiatives for the recruitment and retention of faculty in fields of research.… (text continues; see the full text)
Full text on Congress.gov ↗
WHERE IT SITS IN THE BILL

One of 74 Senate amendments filed to S. 4668

AMENDMENT TREE
  1. S. 4668 · BILLProtect College Sports Act of 2026
  2. S.Amdt. 6776 · SUBSTITUTESet federal protections and rules for college sports
  3. S.Amdt. 6836 · FIRST DEGREECreate competitive infrastructure grants for HBCUs

An amendment can amend the bill or another amendment. A substitute replaces the whole bill text; amendments to it are “first degree”, and amendments to those are “second degree”.

AMENDMENTS TO S. 4668FILED74ROLL CALL6ADOPTED4All amendments to S. 4668 →
THE BILL · S. 4668

Passed the Senate; the House has not passed it yet. Latest action Sep 28, 2026.

THE VOTE

Why there’s no roll call

Not called up yet

Senators can file amendments at the desk at any time, but one is debated and voted on only if it is formally called up on the floor, which usually takes an agreement with the leaders. Most filed amendments end this way.

YOUR TAKEShould it be adopted?
WHO’S BEHIND IT

Sponsor and cosponsors

SPONSORSen. Tim ScottREPUBLICAN · SC
34
FILED THIS CONGRESSFILED
2
GOT A ROLL CALLGOT A VOTE
6
ADOPTEDADOPTED

Senate median this Congress: 39 filed, 1 adopted.

COSPONSORS1All Democrats
WHERE IT SITS IN THE BILL

One of 74 Senate amendments filed to S. 4668

AMENDMENT TREE
  1. S. 4668 · BILLProtect College Sports Act of 2026
  2. S.Amdt. 6776 · SUBSTITUTESet federal protections and rules for college sports
  3. S.Amdt. 6836 · FIRST DEGREECreate competitive infrastructure grants for HBCUs
How to read the tree

An amendment can amend the bill or another amendment. A substitute replaces the whole bill text; amendments to it are “first degree”, and amendments to those are “second degree”.

AMENDMENTS TO S. 4668FILED74ROLL CALL6ADOPTED4
THE BILL · S. 4668STAGE 2 OF 5 · PASSED SENATE

Passed the Senate; the House has not passed it yet. Latest action Sep 28, 2026.

OTHER AMENDMENTS TO S. 4668

All 74 amendments to S. 4668← All amendments

SOURCE: CONGRESS.GOV AMENDMENT ACTIONS AND TEXT; SENATE.GOV ROLL CALLS · S.Amdt. 6836 on Congress.gov ↗

READERS · 0 COMMENTS

What readers think

Discussion

Loading comments...