Congress·Enacted·S. 356

Trump Signs Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, Extending Payments to Federal Land Counties Through 2026

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

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Signed Into Law

This legislation has been enacted.

Legislative Progress

✓ Senate

✓ House

✓ President

✓ Law

Key Points

Keeps a program going through 2026 that sends money to counties with lots of federal forest land, where local tax revenue is often lower.
Tells the Treasury Department to send the 2024 and 2025 payments within 45 days, so schools and county budgets get money faster.
Prevents double-paying by cutting the new payment if a county already got an earlier partial payment for 2024 or 2025.
Locks in the same payment choice counties made in 2023 for 2024 and 2025, so they don’t have to redo paperwork.
Extends the timeline for local project work on federal land (like forest and road projects) out to 2028 and 2029.

EducationInfrastructureEnvironmentEconomy

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Positive Impacts(3)

Child Tax Credit

Helps

Student

Helps

Farmer Rancher

Helps

Milestones

7 milestones20 actions

Dec 18, 2025

Became Public Law No: 119-58.

Dec 18, 2025

Signed by President.

Dec 15, 2025House

Presented to President.

Dec 9, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Dec 9, 2025House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 5 (Roll no. 315). (text: CR H5066-5067)

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

During fiscal years 2024–2026

Eligible counties continue receiving Secure Rural Schools payments through FY2026

County budgets in eligible areas stay more predictable for the next few years, reducing the risk of sudden cuts when timber revenue is low.

Project authority extends into 2028–2029 depending on the section

Authority to carry out and fund special projects on federal land continues for additional years

More time for local projects like forest health work, watershed restoration, and trail/road improvements that can create local contracting work.

Vote Results

1 vote

HousePassedProceduralDec 9, 2025

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

399

Democrat

201 – 0 · 12

Republican

198 – 5 · 16

View full roll call

Related News

2 articles

Sedona Red Rock News·2 months ago

Secure Rural Schools federal funding secured for 3 years

President Trump signed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 into law, extending the program through 2026. The act uses Forest Service revenue to fund schools and services across 700 counties, addressing the financial challenges faced by areas with high federal land ownership.

Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News·about 1 month ago

Forest Service announces $182 million in retroactive Secure Rural Schools payments

The Forest Service is issuing retroactive SRS payments for 2024 to sustain public schools and roads. Because the program had lapsed, the agency initially made lower payments under a 1908 law; the new act allows for reconciliation to provide the full authorized funding to eligible counties.