SRS Bill Passes U.S. House and Senate

On Monday, the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) technical fix bill that ensures Title III funds and 25% payments will remain available for FY21 payments (S. 3706), passed the House and will now go to President Biden for signature. The bill passed the Senate last week by unanimous consent following its advancement from the House Natural Resources Committee on February 16th. The bill was introduced by Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) on February 17th and the cosponsors included two Republicans and three Democrats when passed. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) then introduced an identical House bill (H.R. 6435), for which the co-sponsors are nine Republicans and two Democrats — including RCRC Delegation Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale). The bill provides that SRS payments be automatically provided to recipients this year.