The following is a statement from Association of American Universities President Barbara R. Snyder about the framework that President Biden announced for his Build Back Better Act reconciliation plan:
President Biden’s Build Back Better framework is a good start toward making college more affordable for hardworking American families, supporting HBCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions, and making crucial investments in the government-university research partnership that makes us safer and stronger. In particular, we welcome the $550 increase to the maximum annual Pell Grant and new funding for research infrastructure, climate science, and other crucial research. We look forward to continuing discussions with both the administration and Congress on President Biden’s pledge to double Pell. Much needs to be done to keep the United States at the forefront of global scientific and economic advancement, and Congress should pass this framework as soon as possible.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 66 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.