County Countdown – January 14, 2025
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Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Congress passes continuing resolution to fund the federal government
The U.S. Congress recently approved a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through March 14, 2025.
- County impact: This move ensures stability for counties that rely on federal funding for vital services like infrastructure, human services and public safety.
- NACo advocacy: We continue to advocate for a long-term funding solution to provide counties with the certainty needed for effective planning and program delivery.
- For more information on the status specific of FY 2025 spending bills and county funding priorities, access NACo’s FY 2025 Appropriations Tracker.
Critical disaster relief funding secured
Counties are applauding the passage of legislation providing billions of dollars in disaster relief funding. This funding is essential to help communities recover from recent natural disasters while preparing for future challenges.
- Critical county role: Counties are at the forefront of disaster mitigation and response, and these resources bolster our ability to protect residents and infrastructure.
- More from NACo: NACo recently announced the formation of the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force to modernize federal disaster policies, strengthen intergovernmental partnerships and enhance local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities.
Other key wins for counties
Counties are celebrating a series of other legislative victories that directly impact our communities.
- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation to enhance child welfare systems, supporting prevention services and foster care.
- Reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration for the first time in 20 years, securing critical resources for county-level economic growth and job creation.
- The passage of an outdoor recreation package will expand access to parks, trails and public lands, enhancing quality of life for millions of residents.
- New federal funding for County Veteran Service Officers ensures counties can better serve those who have served our country.
Social Security Fairness Act becomes law
President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.
- Fair treatment for public employees: This ensures that public employees, including many county workers, receive fair treatment in retirement benefits.
- County win: This is a major victory for the public workforce, supporting those who have dedicated their careers to serving our communities.
Register for NACo’s 2025 Legislative Conference and submit your interim policy resolutions
Registration is now open for NACo’s 2025 Legislative Conference, which will take place March 1-4 in Washington, D.C.
- Join nearly 2,000 county leaders for policy discussions, federal advocacy, and opportunities to meet with members of Congress and federal officials.
- Policy resolutions: NACo’s Interim Policy Resolutions Portal is now open, giving counties the chance to shape NACo’s federal policy priorities by submitting resolutions for consideration.
U.S. Congress passes continuing resolution to fund the government until March 14, 2025
The U.S. Congress passed a second Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend federal spending and avert a government shutdown through March 14, 2025.
Counties Applaud Passage of Critical Disaster Relief Funding
NACo today applauded Congress on county-specific provisions of the American Relief Act, 2025. In addition to ensuring the federal government remains open through March of 2025, the package includes $110 billion in disaster assistance for relief efforts across the U.S.
Social Security Fairness Act signed into law
President Biden signed the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act into law, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision.
Now accepting interim policy resolutions for the 2025 NACo Legislative Conference
Submit policy resolutions by February 5, 2025.
Related News
House releases clean Continuing Resolution to fund the government through November 21
On September 16, the U.S. House released the text of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 to extend government funding at current levels through November 21.
County Countdown – September 9, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features FEMA reform bill advancement, a major reorganization of the USDA and more.
Counties Advocate for Passage of FEMA Act Alongside National Preparedness Month
NACo recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, an opportunity to highlight the essential role of counties in preparing for and responding to disasters. Counties will advocate throughout the month for passage of the FEMA Act (H.R. 4669), which was approved last Tuesday by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a vote of 57-3.
Upcoming Events
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, September 18
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week eight of a biweekly series on key developments from the White House and Congress. Discussions will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties — from federal funding and regulatory changes to intergovernmental partnerships. Tune in for an inside look at how these evolving federal dynamics may shape county priorities, responsibilities and operations.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, October 2
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week nine of a biweekly series on key developments from the White House and Congress. Discussions will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties — from federal funding and regulatory changes to intergovernmental partnerships. Tune in for an inside look at how these evolving federal dynamics may shape county priorities, responsibilities and operations.
Securing Coverage: How Counties Can Navigate Cyber Insurance Hurdles
Safeguarding counties from cyber attacks in today's complex digital environment is a formidable challenge, especially when faced with tight budgets, limited resources, and the competing demands of diverse stakeholders. Cyber insurance offers a crucial safety net, but many counties find themselves grappling with the affordability and management of such coverage.
Join us for an exciting discussion with experienced county leaders as we uncover the hurdles governments face in securing cyber insurance. We will explore the evolving cyber threat landscape and reveal how a comprehensive cyber insurance assessment can offer practical solutions to bolster defenses and streamline coverage acquisition.