SW Houston News

Congressman Troy E. Nehls, representing Texas' 22nd district, has taken to social media to express his views on higher education financing, specifically targeting elite private universities with substantial endowments. Nehls, who has been serving in Congress since 2021, is focusing his critique on the financial practices surrounding these institutions.

In a tweet dated April 15, 2025, Nehls questioned the rationale behind American taxpayers subsidizing an elite private university like Harvard, which boasts an endowment of over $50 billion. He suggested that Harvard should utilize its vast endowment to support the initiatives it is concerned about losing federal funding for.

In a subsequent tweet on the same day, Nehls provided a list of the top 16 private university endowments, collectively valued at over $337 billion. He pointed out that these endowment earnings are currently taxed at a rate of 1.4%. Nehls advocated for his proposed "Endowment Tax Fairness Act," which aims to increase the excise tax on these profits to 21%, suggesting that this would ensure a more equitable financial contribution from well-endowed institutions.

On April 16, 2025, Nehls posted another comment directed at Harvard, stating simply, "Take notes, @Harvard." This remark continues his criticism of the university's financial strategy regarding its endowment.

Troy Nehls, 55, who was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and currently resides in Richmond, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Liberty University.