S.356 - Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. This extension ensures continued federal payments to states and counties with federal land, supporting local schools and community projects. The Act also includes technical corrections to improve the program's efficiency.
Expected Effects
The Act will maintain financial support for rural communities that rely on federal land revenues. It extends the timeline for secure payments and project authority, providing stability for local budgets. The technical corrections aim to streamline administrative processes.
Potential Benefits
- Continued funding for schools and community services in rural areas.
- Predictable revenue streams for county governments.
- Support for special projects on federal lands.
- Streamlined administrative processes through technical corrections.
- Extension of resource advisory committee pilot programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential dependence on federal payments rather than developing local revenue sources.
- Possible inequities in payment distribution among counties.
- Limited scope of the Act, focusing primarily on financial assistance rather than broader rural development.
- The Act does not address long-term solutions for economic sustainability in rural communities.
- The extension may delay the implementation of more comprehensive rural development strategies.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by providing financial assistance to states and counties, promoting the well-being of rural communities. Congress has the power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2). The Act's provisions for payments related to federal lands are consistent with this authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).