WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley issued the following press release:
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today celebrated the signing of their bipartisan Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act into law, reauthorizing funding for the U.S. Forest Service's Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through FY 2026 and providing lapsed payments to counties in Oregon and nationwide for FY 2024 and 2025.
"The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon and nationwide since I originally authored the program back in 2000. I'm grateful we were able to get our legislation over the finish line to restore funding for communities that need it the most," Wyden said. "This lapse in...