Funding Historic Preservation and Training at Higher Education Institutions for Minorities (H.R. 1541)

What is H.R. 1541?

(Updated January 31, 2017)

This bill makes Hispanic-serving institutions and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions of higher education eligible for financial assistance from the Dept. of the Interior (DOI).

DOI’s financial assistance would go towards preservation training and degree programs, as it is currently available to other minority-serving institutions of higher education.

Argument in favor

Institutions serving Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native American Pacific Islanders should have the same resources as other minority-serving institutions.

Argument opposed

Federal funds shouldn’t go to historic preservation education and training programs at any institution of higher education.

Impact

Students and staff at covered minority-serving institutions, and the DOI.

Cost of H.R. 1541

The CBO estimates that this legislation would not have a significant impact on spending over the 2016-2020 period.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) noted the demographic changes that led him to introduce this legislation in a press release:

“The Hispanic population in this country is growing, and more than half of our country’s young Hispanic students attend Hispanic-Serving Institutions. It is crucial that we assure all students have the opportunity to participate in projects to preserve their cultural and national heritage.”

Currently this bill has 11 cosponsors in the House, all of whom are Democrats.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) Press Release
• CBO Cost Estimate
• Preservation Action