Congressman Fong Applauds Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, A Major Win for Rural Communities in the Central Valley

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) celebrated the House passage of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act, which is now one step closer to becoming law.

First enacted in 2000, the SRS program provides funding for schools, roads, and essential services in counties with significant amounts of tax-exempt federal land. As a co-sponsor of the legislation, Congressman Fong understands the critical importance of SRS funding for rural communities in California's Central Valley. The SRS Reauthorization Act passed the House by a vote of 399 to 5 and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

"For rural communities across the nation and especially in California's Central Valley and our mountain areas, the Secure Rural Schools program is not optional; it is essential," said Congressman Fong (CA-20). "These funds ensure that students in small, rural school districts like mine have the same opportunities as students anywhere else in our state, while also supporting road maintenance, emergency services, wildfire mitigation, and more. I was proud to vote for this legislation and urge the Senate to act quickly so that we can provide these critical resources to communities where large amounts of federal land limit local tax revenue."

Since its enactment, SRS has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states. In 2024 alone, rural communities in California received more than $33 million from the program, helping sustain schools, public safety, infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation in rural regions.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act would reauthorize SRS payments through FY2026, ensuring continued support for rural counties that rely on this funding.

You can view the bill text here.