Policy Insider – March 30, 2026
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Appropriations: DHS shutdown continues with no resolution in sight
On March 27, the Senate passed a bill to fund most of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — everything except Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection — after a 42-day shutdown. The House declined to take up the Senate bill and instead passed its own measure to fund all of DHS through May 22. With both chambers now on a two-week recess and no agreement reached, the shutdown is expected to continue into at least mid-April. Counties rely on DHS funding for FEMA grants, emergency preparedness programs and public safety operations, and NACo will monitor developments closely. Read NACo's policy update.
Housing: White House issues Executive Order on housing construction barriers
On March 19, the White House issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies to review and revise regulations, permitting requirements, building and energy standards and historic preservation practices that may be increasing housing construction costs or timelines. The order has direct implications for county land use authority, permitting processes and local housing programs. NACo is analyzing the order and its potential effects on county planning and development functions. Read NACo’s policy update.
Public Lands: Senators introduce bipartisan bill to reauthorize Federal Lands Access Program
Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the FLAP Reauthorization Act (S. 4135) to extend the Federal Lands Access Program, which provides essential funding for transportation projects on or adjacent to federal lands in gateway communities. FLAP is a critical resource for rural counties with significant federal land. NACo supports reauthorization and will engage on county priorities as the bill advances. Read NACo's policy update.
Human Services: Bipartisan House bills introduced to modernize the Chafee Foster Care Program
Members of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare introduced five bipartisan bills to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program, addressing housing access, workforce training, education, legal services and parenting support for youth transitioning out of foster care. Several proposals would improve coordination with existing federal programs, creating new opportunities for county child welfare agencies. In the 11 states where counties administer child welfare, these bills would have direct operational impact. Read NACo's policy update.
Elections: SAVE America Act remains under consideration
The SAVE America Act (H.R. 7296) — which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot in federal elections — remains under active Senate consideration. NACo continues to engage on county concerns, including unfunded mandates on election offices, compressed implementation timelines, criminal penalties for election workers and lack of flexibility for diverse local election systems. Read NACo's SAVE America Act brief.
NACo in Action
NACo continues Hill outreach on surface transportation and BASICS Act
NACo is actively meeting with congressional offices and committee staff to advance county priorities in surface transportation reauthorization. With bill text expected imminently, NACo is making the case for inclusion of the BASICS Act (H.R. 7437) — which would guarantee direct, formula-based federal funding for county-owned roads and bridges. NACo is urging county leaders to reach out to their House Representatives to cosponsor the bill. View NACo's Surface Transportation Reauthorization Hub.
NACo engages Congress on FirstNet reauthorization
As Congress advances discussion on draft legislation to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) before its February 2027 sunset, NACo submitted a letter expressing strong support for reauthorization. FirstNet connects more than 30,000 public safety agencies — including county sheriff's offices and emergency management agencies — with dedicated broadband communications during disasters and day-to-day emergencies. NACo urged Congress to act swiftly to preserve this critical public safety network. Read NACo’s policy update.
April is National County Government Month — resources available
April is National County Government Month, and NACo has a full toolkit to help counties champion their workforce, boost civic engagement and raise public awareness of the essential services counties provide. The toolkit includes press releases, proclamations, sample social media posts and educational resources. Share with us how your county is celebrating. Get the toolkit.
County Impact & Action Needed
BASICS Act — action needed now
Congressional negotiations are underway on surface transportation reauthorization, which will determine five-year federal funding levels and policies for roads, bridges, public transit and more.
County Action: Use NACo's template letter to contact your U.S. Representative and urge support for the bipartisan BASICS Act (H.R. 7437), which would guarantee direct federal funding for county-owned roads and bridges.
Housing and Section 205 — engage your Senators and Representatives
With the Senate having passed its housing package, both chambers must go to conference. Section 205 of H.R. 6644 would impact, and potentially reduce, certain county CDBG allocations.
County Action: Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives to urge support for a House-Senate conference and exclusion of Section 205 in the final bill.
What's Next
- DHS funding: The Senate passed a partial DHS funding bill, but the House declined to take it up and instead passed its own measure to fund all of DHS through May 22. With both chambers now on a two-week recess and no agreement reached, the shutdown is expected to continue into at least mid-April. NACo will monitor developments and update members on impacts to county-administered DHS programs including FEMA and emergency preparedness grants.
- SAVE America Act: Senate action is expected to continue. NACo will monitor developments and keep members updated on any provisions affecting county election administration.
- Surface transportation reauthorization: NACo will continue advocating for inclusion of the BASICS Act as bill text and markup timelines come into focus.
- Housing: NACo will continue engaging both chambers on the path to conference and will advocate for a final package that excludes Section 205 and supports CDBG-DR institutionalization, HOME program flexibility and other county housing priorities.
- FLAP Reauthorization: NACo will engage with Senate sponsors and House counterparts on county priorities as the bill moves through the legislative process.
- Chafee Foster Care Program: NACo will monitor the five bipartisan House bills and engage with the Ways and Means Subcommittee to ensure county child welfare agencies are reflected in any final legislation.
Webinar Series
NACo Policy Insider: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties
Join NACo Policy Insider’s biweekly webinar series for timely updates on the federal policy landscape impacting counties and deeper dives into the issues shaping local leadership. Each session equips county leaders with insights, context and strategies to engage effectively on key issues ranging from transportation and infrastructure to public lands, health and human services, and more.
U.S. Representatives introduce bipartisan CERTAIN Act to uphold county participation and streamline federal permitting
On April 15, congressional leaders introduced the bipartisan Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. Led by Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Andrew Gabarino (R-N.Y.), Adam Gray (D-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), the CERTAIN Act would strengthen county consultation and set actionable deadlines for federal environmental permitting processes.
Former MLB pitcher steps up to the plate for Oklahoma counties
Before he pitched for the Washington Nationals, Chris Schroder worked for a semester for the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma, and the organization later welcomed him back as executive director.
U.S. Forest Service announces distribution of FY 2025 Secure Rural Schools funding
On Apr. 14, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced the distribution of $230.6 million to counties through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The funding will support essential local government services in more than 700 counties nationwide. The FY 2025 payments announced by USFS were authorized by the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-58).
U.S. Forest Service announces details of major reorganization
On March 31, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced details of a major reorganization of the agency’s offices and management structure. The agency’s new structure comes amid a larger reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which houses the Forest Service.
Endangered Species Committee convenes to exempt Gulf energy projects from Endangered Species Act requirements
On March 31, the Endangered Species Committee convened a meeting to discuss a national security exemption to Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements for energy exploration and extraction projects in the Gulf. The Committee, which had only previously gathered 3 times since 1978, voted unanimously to grant the exemption.
Congress examines reforms to endangered species management
On Mar. 18, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Work held a hearing examining how to improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The hearing follows several legislative proposals to reform endangered species management that recently advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives.