Reps. Carter, McIver, Menefee, and Ruiz Champion the Equity in Research Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Christian Menefee (D-TX), and Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), re-introduced the Equity in Research Act. This legislation creates a targeted National Science Foundation grant program to increase research capacity for under-resourced institutions of higher education.

"For far too long, students at under-resourced institutions have faced undue barriers to entering high-growth fields in STEM," said Rep. Carter. "By strengthening research capacity at institutions that have long been at the forefront of empowering generations of students from historically under-resourced and underserved communities, we can strengthen our nation's innovation pipeline and ensure that all students, not just some, have the resources and opportunity they need to pursue a future in STEM."

"Researchers who are Black and brown often don't get a seat at the table, and their contributions get drowned out," said Rep McIver. "It is important that we provide opportunities to research institutions that are typically underfunded and undervalued because their researchers offer unique and valuable perspectives. Their work informs and supports scientific advancement and furthers workforce development and U.S. competitiveness. I am excited to provide grants that will support important long term work, not just one-time investments."

"The next lifesaving cure, groundbreaking technology, or scientific discovery could come from a researcher who simply has not been given the resources to pursue it. When we invest in more researchers, more institutions, and more ideas, we expand what is possible," said Rep Menefee. "That's why I'm proud to support the Equity in Research Act alongside Rep. Carter and my colleagues in Congress and help ensure that great ideas have the resources they need to become groundbreaking discoveries."

"The Equity in Research Act is a great opportunity to give students at community colleges and minority-serving institutions the tools they need to get more out of their education and help them compete at the forefront of cutting-edge research. I thank Rep. Troy Carter for his leadership on this bill, which will expand research participation and STEM pathways." Said Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz.

Background

The Equity in Research Act creates a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program to strengthen research capacity at institutions of higher education that have historically faced barriers accessing federal research resources. Many minority serving and land grant institutions operate with outdated facilities and limited research infrastructure, restricting their ability to compete for federal grants and contribute fully to the nation's scientific enterprise.

The bill authorizes NSF grants of $1-$5 million for eligible institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, and 1890/1994 land grant universities. Funding may be used for upgrades to existing buildings, essential research equipment, infrastructure maintenance, and personnel costs directly tied to research activity.

By expanding research capacity at under resourced institutions, the Equity in Research Act strengthens the nation's innovation pipeline and broadens opportunity for students historically underrepresented in STEM. Ensuring that federal research investments reach a more diverse set of campuses supports scientific advancement, workforce development, and long-term U.S. competitiveness.

Key Points:

• Establishes a dedicated NSF grant program to support research infrastructure at under resourced institutions.
• Provides $50 million in annual authorization beginning in FY27.
• Targets institutions that serve historically underserved communities to expand research participation and STEM pathways.
• Supports sustainable, long-term improvements rather than short-term or one-time investments.

Read the full bill text here.

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