County Countdown – October 6, 2025

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• Fixing a key barrier: ​The bill​ would raise the cap from 16 to 36 beds per facility, lifting an outdated provision that limits reimbursement for psychiatric care.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.