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Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 31, 2020
HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students Act or the HBCU PARTNERS Act
This bill addresses the capacity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to participate in federal programs. Specifically, the bill requires certain agencies to submit annual plans for strengthening the capacity of HBCUs to participate in federal programs. Among other things, the plans must establish how the agencies intend to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
The agencies must provide technical assistance and information to the White House Initiative on HBCUs to enhance communication with HBCUs concerning their program activities and initiatives as well as applications for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
In addition, the bill provides statutory authority for the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
People & committees
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] · R–SC
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 116-270.
Became Public Law No: 116-270.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 461 by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S7450)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 461 by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S7450)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 6 (Roll no. 237). (text: CR H6878-6879)
House roll call 237 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 6 (Roll no. 237).(text: CR H6878-6879)
House roll call 237 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6883-6884)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 461.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6877-6880)
Ms. Adams moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1281-1282; text: CR S1281-1282)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S1281-1282; text: CR S1281-1282)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jul 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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