S. 356 · 119th Congress · Senate

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025

Signed into LawEnvironment

Introduced 2025-02-03 · Sponsored by Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID] (R-ID) · Last updated 2026-03-31

Last action (2025-12-18): Became Public Law No: 119-58.

Summary

Continues federal payments to counties that have national forests or other federal land within their borders, extending the program through 2026 and backfilling missed payments for 2024 and 2025. These payments compensate rural communities for timber revenue lost when logging on federal lands declined, and the money funds local schools and roads. Counties can use the funds for community projects through 2028.

Congress.gov — S. 356

The Good

Continues federal payments to rural communities near national forests

Extends the Secure Rural Schools Act that provides federal payments to counties with significant federal land. These payments compensate for timber revenue lost when logging on federal lands declined, funding schools and roads in rural areas.

Congress.gov — S. 356

The Bad

Perpetuates federal dependency rather than economic transition

The program began as a temporary bridge when timber harvesting decreased but has been repeatedly extended for over two decades. Critics argue rural communities need long-term economic diversification rather than indefinite federal payments.

Congress.gov — S. 356