Good morning.

On behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce, I would like to welcome everyone to the University of Texas, Pan-American for today’s hearing, entitled, "Expanding Opportunities in Higher Education: Honoring the Contributions of America’s Hispanic Serving Institutions." My name is Pete Hoekstra and I am the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Education and represent Michigan’s second district. I would like to thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Hinojosa, for his work and diligence in helping to put together this field hearing. I would also like to recognize the University of Texas, Pan-American for hosting both the hearing and roundtable on their campus. We appreciate their hospitality and we are pleased to be here.

Let me begin by saying that I am excited to hear from our witnesses throughout the day and I believe that expanding educational opportunities for students at Hispanic Serving Institutions is an extremely important and timely topic. Moreover, Edinburg and the surrounding Hidalgo county are steeped in a rich, Hispanic history that makes the University of Texas, Pan-American a fitting site for today’s hearing.

Hispanic Serving Institutions, or HSIs, are vital components of the higher education equation. There are currently more than 200 HSIs in United States, and the number of HSI institutions grows each year. While comprising only 5 percent of all institutions of postsecondary education, HSIs enroll 49 percent of Hispanic-American students.

Not only do HSIs improve access to higher education for Hispanic Americans, but they also are committed to providing academic excellence to low-income and disadvantaged students. HSIs enroll and graduate thousands of impressive students each year, and enrollments at these institutions are climbing. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the enrollment of Hispanic American students in college is growing twice as quickly as college enrollments in general.

Prior to reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in 1998, HSIs were eligible for federal funds under title III, Part A -- the Strengthening Institutions Program.

During the 1998 reauthorization, Congress created a separate program and funding stream for HSIs in an effort to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students. The new program, under title V, allows institutions to use federal money to build their endowments and provide scholarships and fellowships for needy students.

Congress has made breaking down barriers and expanding educational opportunities a top priority. This commitment is particularly apparent with regards to HSIs. Funding for HSIs has increased by more than 35 percent since President Bush took office, growing from $68.5 million in FY2001, to $92.4 million in FY2003. The FY2004 funding level for HSIs in the education spending bill passed by the House in July would increase funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions yet again, by $1.2 million, to an all-time high of $93.6 million.

In 1965, Congress enacted the Higher Education Act, which took on the central mission of ensuring that every low-income student in the country could be afforded the opportunity to pursue his or her educational goals. Currently, the Committee is in the process of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act. The reauthorization process offers Congress an opportunity to enact needed modifications to the programs covered under the Act and the rules that govern them, with the goal of building upon the programs that are working well.

I would like to thank everyone for attending today. I would especially like to thank our distinguished panel of witnesses for their participation. I look forward to your testimony. At this time I would like to yield to my colleague, Mr. Hinojosa, for any opening statement he would like to offer.