December 13, 2022

HACU statement on the House Passage of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has released the following statement on the passage of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act.

HACU applauds the inclusion of critical investments in the House-passed James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2023. The NDAA includes much-needed investments that will enable Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to increase their research capacity and diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

HACU is supportive of the following sections: 

  • Section 222: Outreach to HBCUs and other MSIs regarding National Security Innovation Network programs.
  • Section 223: Report and pilot program based on recommendations regarding defense research capacity at HBCUs and other MSIs.
  • Section 1083: The Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship in STEM.

The 559 HSIs and 300 emerging HSIs have the potential to significantly contribute to STEM teaching, learning and research. They are poised to prepare a new contingent of STEM professionals for the nation’s workforce. HSIs comprise 17 percent of colleges and universities nationally and are the largest and most diverse cohort of MSIs.

We applaud the creation of these programs that will aid our nation in developing a diverse national security workforce and urge Congress and the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that HSIs receive equitable federal funding that is proportionate and commensurate to their growth.

About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, D.C, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.