County Countdown – June 3, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

DHS releases list identifying 'sanctuary jurisdictions'​

On May 30, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions," including nearly 400 counties. The list is part of the implementation of the Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order.

• What it means: DHS will send formal notification to designated sanctuary jurisdictions and urge them to review and revise their policies to align with the administration’s immigration enforcement priorities.
• Evolving situation: The list published on Friday has since been taken down. NACo is monitoring the situation and will update this blog post as we learn more.
• How to take action: Counties can reach out to sanctuaryjurisdictions@hq.dhs.gov with any questions about the sanctuary jurisdiction designation. NACo also recommends that counties consult with legal counsel to ensure immigration-related policies are consistent with state and federal laws.

​TAKE IT DOWN Act signed into law​

NACo attended a bill signing ceremony on May 20 for the TAKE IT DOWN Act. The bipartisan legislation supports counties working to combat digital abuse and deepfake crimes.

• New protections: The new legislation criminalizes nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, including explicit deepfakes.
• Support for counties: The law includes provisions supporting local law enforcement’s role in protecting victims and pursuing offenders.
• AI safeguards: It also addresses emerging threats made worse by generative AI tools misused by bad actors.

​Counties gear up to support the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill​

With the $1.2 trillion Surface Transportation Reauthorization set to expire in 2026, counties are preparing for advocacy efforts around the bill, which supports roads, bridges, transit and more.

• County investment: Counties contribute over $146 billion annually to infrastructure projects.
• Federal partnership: NACo emphasizes the need for direct investment and flexibility in transportation funding.
• New toolkit: NACo launched a resource hub to help counties advocate for priorities during congressional negotiations.

​Budget reconciliation bill moves to the Senate

The House-passed budget reconciliation bill — called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — heads to the Senate, offering counties an opportunity to advocate for critical changes.

• Positive provisions: The bill preserves municipal bond tax exemption, reauthorizes the Secure Rural Schools program and delays Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts.
• Funding support: The bill also includes $1.6 billion for major event preparedness.
• Ongoing concerns: The budget would raise administrative cost-sharing under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, impose new Medicaid burdens and limit local control over AI regulation.
• Call to action: The Senate phase is a pivotal moment for counties to shape the final legislation and protect essential services. Counties are encouraged to reach out to Senators to discuss county priorities.

​Remembering Congressman Gerry Connolly

Counties across the nation mourn the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly, a lifelong advocate for local government with deep roots in public service.

• Local legacy: Rep. Connolly served 15 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including two as chair.
• Congressional leadership: He co-chaired the bipartisan Former Local Elected Officials Caucus, amplifying local perspectives on Capitol Hill.
• Enduring impact: Rep. Connolly championed civil discourse, intergovernmental cooperation and county-level priorities in Congress.