Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   federal budget   |   federal issues Federal Government Shutdown Begins: What It Means for Rural Communities

The federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., following the rejection of H.R. 5371 in the U.S. Senate. Federal agencies have begun implementing contingency plans, due to a lapse in appropriations. While essential services such as Social Security and Medicare continue, many departments are reducing operations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI), which provide critical support to rural areas, are among those affected.

Jul 18, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   federal budget Congress Passes $9B Rescissions Package, Sends to President’s Desk

Early Friday morning, Congress narrowly passed the $9 billion dollar rescissions package with a vote of 216-213 in the House, and 51-48 in the Senate. The package now heads to the President’s desk for signature

Jul 03, 2025

federal budget U.S. Senate Advances GOP Reconciliation Bill with Increased Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund

After an overnight vote-a-rama, the U.S. Senate narrowly advanced the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50–50 tie early Tuesday morning.

Jun 20, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   federal budget U.S. Senate Reconciliation Proposal Caps Provider Taxes, Threatening Rural Hospital Finances

On June 14, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released the text and section-by-section summary of its reconciliation proposal. The proposal includes Medicaid cuts that are significantly deeper

May 16, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   federal budget   |   federal issues House Agriculture Committee Advances SRS Reauthorization by way of Reconciliation Bill

On May 14, the House Agriculture Committee voted 29-25 along party lines to advance its reconciliation bill. While the measure contains many impactful provisions, perhaps the most notable is the inclusion of reauthorization language for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. Until now, SRS reauthorization has been stalled in the House of Representatives, despite significant bipartisan support in the Senate

Feb 28, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   federal budget   |   federal issues House Passes Budget Resolution Opening the Door for Negotiation with the Senate

On February 25, the U.S. House of Representatives passed their budget resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) by a vote of 217-215. This step will allow the reconciliation process to begin, a legislative procedure that only requires simple majorities from both chambers to enact legislation