WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 356 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-58

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025

Became lawPublic Lands and Natural Resources
IntroducedFeb 3, 2025
Passed SenateJun 18, 2025
Passed HouseDec 9, 2025
To PresidentDec 15, 2025
Became lawDec 18, 2025

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

S. 356 changed 7 sections of existing law. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

16 U.S.C. 7111 Secure payments for States containing Federal land

16 U.S.C. 7113 Transition payments to States

  • (d) Distribution of payments in California changed · Sec. 2(a) · see the words

16 U.S.C. 7112 Payments to States and counties

  • (b) Election to receive payment amount added to · Sec. 2(b) · see the words
  • (d) Expenditure rules for eligible counties added to · Sec. 2(b) · see the words

16 U.S.C. 7125 Resource advisory committees

  • (c) Appointment by the Secretary changed · Sec. 4(a) · see the words
  • (d) Composition of advisory committee changed · Sec. 2(c), Sec. 4(a) · see the words
  • (g) Resource advisory committee appointment pilot programs removed · Sec. 3(1), Sec. 3(2) · see the words

16 U.S.C. 7128 Termination of authority

16 U.S.C. 7144 Termination of authority

16 U.S.C. 7126 Use of project funds

  • (b) Transfer of project funds changed · Sec. 4(b) · see the words
What the words changed: every change, in place (18)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 16 U.S.C. 7111changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(a)

    (a) State payment. For each of fiscal years 2008 through 2015 and 2017 through 20232026, the Secretary of Agriculture shall calculate for each eligible State an amount equal to the sum of the products obtained by multiplying— (1) the adjusted share for each eligible county within the eligible State; by (2) the full funding amount for the fiscal year. (b) County payment. For each of fiscal years 2008 through 2015 and 2017 through 20232026, the Secretary of the Interior shall calculate for each eligible county that received a 50-percent payment during the eligibility period an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the 50-percent adjusted share for the…

    The bill says: in subsections (a) and (b), by striking "2023" each place it appears and inserting "2026"; and

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7111)

  2. 16 U.S.C. 7111added (e)by S. 356 Sec. 2(a)

    (e) Special rule for fiscal year 2024 and 2025 payments.—(1) State payment.— If an eligible county in a State that will receive a share of the State payment for fiscal year 2024 or 2025 has already received, or will receive, a share of the 25-percent payment for that fiscal year distributed to the State before the date of enactment of this subsection, the amount of the State payment shall be reduced by the amount of the share of the eligible county of the 25-percent payment.(2) County payment.— If an eligible county that will receive a county payment for fiscal year 2024 or 2025 has already received a 50-percent payment for that fiscal year, the amount of the county payment shall be reduced by the amount of the 50-percent payment.(3) Prompt payment.— Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make all payments under this title for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following:

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7111)

  3. 16 U.S.C. 7113(d)(2)changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(a)

    (2) The shares of the eligible counties of the State payment for California under section 7112 of this title for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 and for each of fiscal years 2017 through 20232026.

    The bill says: Section 103(d)(2) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7113(d)(2)) is amended by striking "2023" and inserting "2026".

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7113)

  4. 16 U.S.C. 7112(b)(1)added (E)by S. 356 Sec. 2(b)

    (E) Payments for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.— The election otherwise required by subparagraph (A) shall not apply for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

    The bill says: in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7112)

  5. 16 U.S.C. 7112(b)(2)added (C)by S. 356 Sec. 2(b)

    (C) Fiscal years 2024 and 2025.— The election described in paragraph (1)(A) applicable to a county in fiscal year 2023 shall be effective for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

    The bill says: in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7112)

  6. 16 U.S.C. 7112(d)(1)added (G)by S. 356 Sec. 2(b)

    (G) Payments for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.— The election made by an eligible county under subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) for fiscal year 2023, or deemed to be made by the county under paragraph (3)(B) for that fiscal year, shall be effective for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

    The bill says: in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7112)

  7. 16 U.S.C. 7112(d)(3)added (E)by S. 356 Sec. 2(b)

    (E) Payments for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.— This paragraph does not apply for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

    The bill says: in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following:

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7112)

  8. 16 U.S.C. 7125(d)(6)(C)changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(c)

    The bill says: Section 205(d)(6)(C) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125(d)(6)(C)) is amended by striking "2023" and inserting "2026".

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7125)

  9. 16 U.S.C. 7128(a)changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(c)

    (a) In general. The authority to initiate projects under this subchapter shall terminate on September 30, 20252028.

    The bill says: in subsection (a), by striking "2025" and inserting "2028"; and

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7128)

  10. 16 U.S.C. 7128(b)changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(c)

    (b) Deposits in Treasury. Any project funds not obligated by September 30, 20262029, shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States.

    The bill says: in subsection (b), by striking "2026" and inserting "2029".

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7128)

  11. 16 U.S.C. 7144(a)changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(d)

    (a) In general. The authority to initiate projects under this subchapter terminates on September 30, 20252028.

    The bill says: in subsection (a), by striking "2025" and inserting "2028"; and

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7144)

  12. 16 U.S.C. 7144(b)changedby S. 356 Sec. 2(d)

    (b) Availability. Any county funds not obligated by September 30, 20262029, shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States.

    The bill says: in subsection (b), by striking "2026" and inserting "2029".

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7144)

  13. 16 U.S.C. 7125(g)(5)changedby S. 356 Sec. 3(1)

    (5) Termination of effectiveness. The authority provided under this subsection terminates on October 1, 20232026.

    The bill says: in paragraph (5), by striking "2023" and inserting "2026"; and

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7125)

  14. 16 U.S.C. 7125(g)removedby S. 356 Sec. 3(2)

    The bill says: by striking paragraph (6).

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7125)

  15. 16 U.S.C. 7125(c)(1)changedby S. 356 Sec. 4(a)

    (1) Appointment and term. The Secretary concerned,concerned1 shall appoint the members of resource advisory committees for a term of 4 years beginning on the date of appointment. The Secretary concerned may reappoint members to subsequent 4-year terms.

    The bill says: in paragraph (1), by striking "concerned," and inserting "concerned"; and

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7125)

  16. 16 U.S.C. 7125(c)(3)changedby S. 356 Sec. 4(a)

    The bill says: in paragraph (3), by striking "the date of the enactment of this Act" and inserting "October 3, 2008"; and

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7125)

  17. 16 U.S.C. 7125(d)(4)changedby S. 356 Sec. 4(a)

    (4) Geographic distribution. The members of a resource advisory committee shall reside within the State in which the committee has jurisdiction and, to extentto the extent 2 practicable, the Secretary concerned shall ensure local representation in each category in paragraph (2).

    The bill says: in subsection (d)(4), by striking "to extent" and inserting "to the extent".

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7125)

  18. 16 U.S.C. 7126(b)(2)changedby S. 356 Sec. 4(b)

    (2) Condition on project commencement. The unit of National Forest System land or Bureau of Land Management District concerned,concerned1 shall not commence a project until the project funds, or other funds described in section 7123(a)(2) of this title required to be transferred under paragraph (1) for the project, have been made available by the Secretary concerned.

    The bill says: Section 206(b)(2) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7126(b)(2)) is amended by striking "concerned," and inserting "concerned".

    Bill text · Current law (16 U.S.C. 7126)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025

This act extends and modifies the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, under which states and counties containing certain federal land may receive payments from the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for schools, roads, and certain other municipal services.

The act modifies the SRS program, including by

• extending payments made to states and counties containing federal land through FY2026,

• providing lapsed payments for FY2024 and FY2025,

• extending the authority of counties to initiate projects using such funds through FY2028, and

• extending the authority to initiate projects proposed by resource advisory committees through FY2028.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Dec 18, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. 2025-12-18Became Public Law No: 119-58.Library of Congress
  2. 2025-12-18Became Public Law No: 119-58.Library of Congress
  3. 2025-12-18Signed by President.Library of Congress
  4. 2025-12-18Signed by President.Library of Congress
  5. 2025-12-15Presented to President.House floor actions
  6. 2025-12-15Presented to President.Library of Congress
  7. 2025-12-09Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  8. 2025-12-09On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 5 (Roll no. 315). (text: CR H5066-5067) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  9. 2025-12-09Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 5 (Roll no. 315). (text: CR H5066-5067) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  10. 2025-12-09Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5100-5101)House floor actions
  11. 2025-12-09At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
  12. 2025-12-09DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 356.House floor actions
  13. 2025-12-09Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5066-5071)House floor actions
  14. 2025-12-09Mr. LaMalfa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
  15. 2025-06-23Held at the desk.House floor actions
  16. 2025-06-23Received in the House.House floor actions
  17. 2025-06-23Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
  18. 2025-06-18Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (text: CR S3459-3460)Senate
  19. 2025-06-18Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.Library of Congress
  20. 2025-06-18Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3458)Senate
  21. 2025-06-18Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  22. 2025-02-03Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
  23. 2025-02-03Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

After it became law

Sourced

Since it became law on Dec 18, 2025, the Federal Register, the government's daily record of rules and notices, has published 1 document that name it: 1 notice.

Named in the body of the document

The quote shows how each one uses the law: as the reason for a change, as background, or in passing.

  1. NoticeJan 28, 2026Management and Budget Office
    Notice; 2025 Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act Annual Report
    …Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026; Public Law 119-39, Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act; Public Law 119-43, Medal of Honor Act; Public Law 119-58, Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025; and Public Law 119-60, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

Found by searching the Federal Register for Public Law 119-58 and the law's names, then reading each document: every one listed contains them, and the quote is its own words. An agency can carry out a law without naming it, so this list can miss some. Checked Oct 27, 2026. Every new law's rules

Recorded votes

Sourced

Dec 9, 2025 · House roll call 315 · needed 2/3

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Passed 399–5

R 198 yes, 5 no, 16 present or not votingD 201 yes, 0 no, 12 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

  • Michael F. Bennet D-CO
  • Maria Cantwell D-WA
  • Shelley Moore Capito R-WV
  • Catherine Cortez Masto D-NV
  • John R. Curtis R-UT
  • Steve Daines R-MT
  • Ruben Gallego D-AZ
  • Margaret Wood Hassan D-NH
  • Josh Hawley R-MO
  • John W. Hickenlooper D-CO
  • James C. Justice R-WV
  • Mark Kelly D-AZ
  • Amy Klobuchar D-MN
  • Jeff Merkley D-OR
  • Lisa Murkowski R-AK
  • Patty Murray D-WA
  • Alex Padilla D-CA
  • James E. Risch R-ID
  • Jacky Rosen D-NV
  • Bernard Sanders I-VT
  • Adam B. Schiff D-CA
  • Rick Scott R-FL
  • Jeanne Shaheen D-NH
  • Tim Sheehy R-MT
  • Elissa Slotkin D-MI
  • Dan Sullivan R-AK
  • Roger F. Wicker R-MS
  • Ron Wyden D-OR