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- Fixing a key barrier: The bill would raise the cap from 16 to 36 beds per facility, lifting an outdated provision that limits reimbursement for psychiatric care.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.
Related News
Seeding farm innovation in Frederick County
Frederick County, Md.'s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program is helping local farmers expand and diversify their business operations with the aim of strengthening the county’s agricultural economy.
Census Bureau proposes permanent changes to the 2030 Decennial Census
On September 10, the U.S Census Bureau published a proposed rule to the 2030 Decennial Census that would create two new parts of the 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that among other changes would a) define “usual residence” that excludes foreign persons previously counted that are not U.S. citizens or lawful residents, and b) would eliminate any questions about race, ethnicity and sexual orientation from the census questionnaire used to enumerate the population. The proposed ruling outlines only 30 days for public comments, which are due on October 13.
Related Events
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, October 8
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, October 22
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
Countdown to LUCA: Practical Strategies for Local, Tribal and State Governments
Join us for the first webinar in a series focused on practical steps communities can take to prepare for effective census participation.