Today, senators John W. Warner (R-Va.), and Jim Webb (D-Va.) announced that the Senate has passed their legislation, the Minority Serving Institutions Advanced Technology and Education Act, as a provision in the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 (H.R.4137), the reauthorization of Higher Education Act.

The legislation will provide resources to address the technology gap that exists at many minority educational institutions, and would establish a grant program for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to assist them in bringing increased access to computers, technology and the Internet to their student populations.

After passing unanimously in July 2007, the legislation was included Tuesday in an agreement by conference members from the House and Senate. With the up-or-down vote complete in both chambers, the bill now goes to the president for his signature.