To amend title 40, United States Code, to include Ontario County in the region covered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4578
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-08T16:13:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to expand the geographic coverage of the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), a federal entity that promotes economic development in underserved areas along the U.S.-Canada border, by adding Ontario County, New York, to its designated region.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 15733(3) of Title 40, United States Code, which defines the NBRC's service area.
- Specifically inserts "Ontario" into the list of covered counties in New York, placing it after "Oneida."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The current law lists specific counties in New York as part of the NBRC region; this bill adds Ontario County to that list, effectively broadening the commission's jurisdiction without altering its overall structure, funding, or operations.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The NBRC could extend its programs—such as infrastructure investments, job training, and economic planning—to Ontario County, potentially increasing administrative workload but also federal resource allocation to the area.
- Citizens: Residents of Ontario County may gain access to NBRC grants and support for local development projects, which could improve economic opportunities, transportation, and community services in a rural or border-adjacent area.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the NBRC focuses on domestic economic issues along the northern border; however, enhanced regional development could indirectly support cross-border trade and cooperation with Canada.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local Communities: Residents, businesses, and local governments in Ontario County, New York, who stand to benefit from new federal assistance.
- Federal Entities: The NBRC and related agencies (e.g., under the Department of Commerce) responsible for implementing economic development programs.
- Congressional Representatives: Sponsors from New York's 24th and 25th districts (Ms. Tenney and Mr. Morelle), indicating bipartisan support for regional expansion.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward statutory amendment with no challenges to existing authority; it requires no new appropriations and aligns with the NBRC's established mandate under the Appalachian Regional Development Act framework (adapted for border regions).
- Constitutional: No significant implications, as it involves routine congressional power to regulate commerce and promote economic welfare without affecting individual rights or federalism balances.
- Political: Represents a targeted, low-controversy effort to address regional disparities, potentially setting a precedent for future expansions of similar commissions; its bipartisan introduction underscores local advocacy for equitable federal support.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-07-21: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-21: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-21: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 40, United States Code, to include Ontario County in the region covered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-07-21 — PDF (1 pages)