County Countdown – October 6, 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.
Federal government shuts down amid lapse in appropriations
As of Oct. 1, federal agencies have ceased nonessential operations following a lapse in appropriations. The shutdown stems from Congress’s failure to pass, and the president to sign, the 12 annual appropriations bills that fund federal agencies before the fiscal year ended on Sept. 30.
- County impact: Counties receive $62 billion annually in federal intergovernmental revenue, and disruptions in funding can hinder the delivery of essential services.
- Resources for counties: NACo has developed a detailed primer and FAQ on how federal agency shutdowns may affect local governments.
- Support available: Counties with questions beyond the FAQ are encouraged to contact NACo for assistance navigating the shutdown.
Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization
The SUPPORT Act Reauthorization has cleared Congress and now awaits the president’s signature, extending key funding to fight the opioid crisis.
- Why it matters: The bill renews billions in funding for overdose prevention, treatment and recovery — resources counties depend on to manage behavioral health challenges.
- County relevance: Counties operate 750 behavioral health authorities nationwide and help administer Medicaid, the largest payer of these services.
New push to expand access to inpatient psychiatric care
The bipartisan Michelle Alyssa Go Act has been reintroduced in the House to increase the number of Medicaid-eligible inpatient psychiatric beds.
- Fixing a key barrier: The bill would raise the cap from 16 to 36 beds per facility, lifting an outdated provision that limits reimbursement for psychiatric care.
- County benefit: The change would expand treatment capacity in county-run hospitals and behavioral health centers, which is critical amid rising caseloads.
Farm Bill expires, creating uncertainty for rural counties
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act officially expired on Sept. 30, putting rural-focused programs in limbo while Congress works on a path forward.
- What’s at stake: The Farm Bill shapes food security, natural resource conservation and infrastructure in rural America.
- Next steps: Lawmakers are considering a “skinny Farm Bill” to reauthorize remaining provisions not covered in H.R.1. If that fails, an extension of the 2018 law may be next.
Participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans
Counties across the nation are invited to participate in the fifth anniversary of Operation Green Light from Nov. 4–11.
- What it is: Counties light buildings and landmarks in green to show visible support for veterans ahead of Veterans Day.
- How to get involved: NACo offers a toolkit to support your county’s participation in the annual campaign.
What Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown Happens
Counties are calling on our federal partners to work in a bipartisan way to keep the federal government fully operational. As intergovernmental partners, any budget uncertainty at the federal level creates uncertainty at the local level as counties administer federal programs on the ground.
Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization
On September 18, the U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act Reauthorization) (H.R. 2483) by voice vote, following House passage earlier this year. With strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Michelle Alyssa Go Act reintroduced in the 119th Congress, a critical step for county behavioral health systems
On September 18, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Farm Bill expiration: What counties need to know
On September 30, 2025, the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, officially known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), expired.
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Seven counties selected for EPA’s Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program
On September 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Northern Border Regional Commission, announced the selection of 25 rural communities to join the 2025 cohort of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program.
Farm Bill expiration: What counties need to know
On September 30, 2025, the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, officially known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), expired.
County Countdown – September 22, 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 a short-term funding bill introduced to avert shutdown, new Rural Health Transformation Program and more.
Related Events
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, October 16
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week ten 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.
Community Care: How Counties Leverage Real-Time Technology to Improve Behavioral Health
In this webinar, we’ll explore how counties can harness behavioral health empower providers and community stakeholders to help streamline care collaboration and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, October 30
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week eleven 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.