FAST Justice Act

Senate Bill

S. 2977

119th Congress

FAST Justice Act

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 7, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Raphael Warnock

D - GA

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Education

Summary

The Increase America's Research Capacity Act directs the Government Accountability Office to study the challenges that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) face in achieving the highest research classification, known as R1. The goal is to understand the barriers preventing HBCUs from reaching this classification and assess if it's feasible for them to do so.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Increase America's Research Capacity Act directs the Government Accountability Office to study the challenges that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) face in achieving the highest research classification, known as R1. The goal is to understand the barriers preventing HBCUs from reaching this classification and assess if it's feasible for them to do so.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023 This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the institutional challenges and barriers that hinder historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) from achieving, and the feasibility of HBCUs achieving, classification as an R1 institution. R1 institution means an institution classified as an R1 doctoral university according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education framework.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires a study on the obstacles that prevent HBCUs from becoming R1 research institutions
Examines the feasibility of HBCUs achieving R1 classification in the future
Focuses on improving the research capabilities and capacity of HBCUs

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it would directly impact HBCUs across the United States. The study would help identify the specific challenges these institutions face in terms of research funding, facilities, and other resources needed to achieve the prestigious R1 classification. This information could then guide future policies and investments to strengthen the research capabilities of HBCUs and provide more opportunities for students at these institutions.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Education

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

2977, 119th Congress (2025). "FAST Justice Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2977