Representative Derek Tran Organizes Meeting of Minority Serving Institutions Amid Trump Administration Cuts

Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) convened a meeting with leaders of local minority serving institutions (MSIs) to discuss how President Trump's decision to terminate MSI grant funding is negatively impacting students throughout Southern California.

In attendance were leaders from five MSIs in California's 45th district, including CSU Fullerton, Cypress College, Fullerton College, Cerritos College, and Coastline College. They emphasized that canceling discretionary funding for MSI grant programs will result in critical staffing reductions and eliminate key resources used to support higher graduation rates and workforce development among minority students across Orange County.

"I'm deeply concerned by the Trump Administration's decision to end funding for minority-serving educational institutions," said Representative Tran. "I'm proud to serve a diverse community where MSIs play a critical role in uplifting our future leaders, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Equitable access to education not only fosters innovation and opportunity, but also strengthens our local community by developing the talent needed in a highly-skilled economy. "

Funding cuts for MSI grant programs will eliminate over $10 million in critical education funding in California's 45th Congressional District. CSU Fullerton will lose capacity for faculty hiring, transfer student admissions, and undergraduate retention programs - directly affecting over 8,000 students and 100 faculty and support staff. Additional cuts include:

• Approximately $2 million from Fullerton College;

• $2.5 million from Cypress College;

• $2.5 million from Coastline College, and;

• $3 million from Cerritos College.

Representative Tran is a vocal advocate for protecting vital funding for and access to educational opportunities for all students. In July, Tran signed onto two lettersdemanding the release of billions in withheld funding for K-12 educational institutions, including $928 million for California schools alone. He voted againstthe budget reconciliation package that slashes funding for Pell Grants and creates barriers to eligibility for Pell benefits, and cosponsoredH.R. 1666, the Pell Grant Sustainability Act,to ensure that students can access the financial resources they need to pursue higher education. Tran also proudly cosponsoredH.R. 433, the Department of Education Protection Act, to safeguard against attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California's 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.