December 9, 2025 — Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) is applauding a major step forward for rural communities after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act this week.
The legislation, first enacted in 2000, provides critical funding for schools, roads, public safety, and other essential services in counties with large amounts of tax-exempt federal land—areas where local tax revenue is limited. Fong, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the program remains vital for communities across the Central Valley and the state’s mountain regions.
“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,” Fong said in a statement. “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.”
The House passed the bill with broad bipartisan support in a 399–5 vote. The measure now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Since its inception, SRS has delivered $7 billion to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states. In 2024, rural California communities received more than $33 million through the program, helping sustain school operations, infrastructure upkeep, and wildfire prevention efforts.
If approved by the Senate, the reauthorization would extend SRS funding through fiscal year 2026.
More information, including the full bill text, is available through the House website.