Washington -- The U.S. House of Representatives increased funding to crucial research programs at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) under a provision introduced by Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) and Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX) today.

Rep. Baca offered the provision as an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006. The act now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.

The amendment increases funding to HSIs by $855,000, from $5.6 million to $6.5 million, the amount requested by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. HSIs are colleges or universities with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment. Grants are awarded to HSIs to increase their ability to serve Hispanic and low-income students. California State University San Bernardino has benefited from these grants in the past.

“This increased funding demonstrates that this Congress is dedicated to ensuring that Hispanic students receive a top-quality education,” said Rep. Baca. “It is not enough to claim that we support improving opportunities for Hispanics in America. Congress must put its money where its mouth is.”

“By funding Hispanics Serving Institutions, we are providing thousands of underserved students the education they deserve,” said Rep. Baca. “By investing in education we are investing in America’s future. I am pleased that this Congress has chosen to make this investment.”

A similar amendment introduced by Rep. Baca in 2004 fell four votes short of passage on a near party-line vote.

“Hispanic Serving Institutions are the backbone of Hispanic collegiate education. They have great research capabilities and much to offer to our students and communities. Other important institutions that serve minority communities each receive more than double the funding of HSIs. While slight gains have been made, an inequity still remains that we must correct.”