NACo testifies before Congress in support of federal rural development programs

Key Takeaways

On September 18, Potter County, Pa. Commissioner Paul Heimel testified on behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development hearing, titled “USDA’s Rural Development: Delivering Vital Programs and Services to Rural America.” During his testimony, Commissioner Heimel highlighted USDA Rural Development (USDA RD)’s important role in empowering rural counties across the country.

Commissioner Heimel emphasized to Chairman Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Ranking Member Don Davis (D-N.C.), and other subcommittee members that “County governments are on the front lines in rural America, providing essential services that make it possible for our residents to stay, work and thrive in our communities. Given our limited staff and tight budgets, we rely on strong federal partnerships to get the job done.” 

USDA RD serves as a critical federal partner for rural counties, supporting investments in critical infrastructure and the delivery of services that may otherwise be out of reach for under resourced rural communities. USDA RD programs support water and wastewater systems, construct and equip essential community facilities such as health clinics, public safety buildings and childcare facilities, and expand access to high-speed broadband and renewable energy. In communities with limited staff capacity and constrained budgets, USDA RD programs provide the technical and financial support necessary to bring high-impact projects from concept to completion. 

As Congress continues deliberations on the next Farm Bill and the FY 2026 appropriations process, robust funding for Rural Development must remain a central priority to ensure that counties have the tools they need to build resilient, vibrant, and opportunity-rich rural communities.

Commissioner Heimel’s testimony can be viewed here. 

Learn more about the hearing from Agri-Pulse's article here. 

View Hearing Highlights Video

View Written Testimony