Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6433
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-16T08:06:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act aims to support rural communities by providing technical help to improve access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural development programs. It focuses on areas facing geographic, social, economic, or infrastructure challenges, helping local organizations build capacity to use these federal resources effectively.
Key Provisions
- Technical Assistance Requirement: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture must provide technical assistance—either directly or through partnerships—to local partners in geographically underserved and distressed areas. This assistance strengthens their ability to access USDA rural development programs.
- Eligible Local Partners: Includes local governments, cooperatives, businesses, healthcare facilities and networks, community anchor institutions (such as libraries or schools that serve as community hubs, as defined in the Digital Equity Act of 2021), and nonprofit organizations.
- Annual Reporting: Starting one year after enactment, the Secretary must publish an annual report on the assistance's impact and submit it to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The report covers effects on the targeted areas for that year.
- Definition of Geographically Underserved and Distressed Area: A rural area (as determined by the USDA) that meets at least one of the following:
- Part of a socially vulnerable community (areas with high risks from social factors like poverty or lack of services).
- Located in a persistent poverty county (counties with long-term high poverty rates).
- In an economically distressed area (regions with severe economic challenges).
- Near the U.S.-Mexico border and lacking adequate water, sewer services, or decent housing.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for the USDA to deliver targeted technical assistance and capacity-building for rural development programs. It does not amend specific existing laws but creates a fresh framework for supporting underserved areas, including a novel emphasis on border regions with infrastructure deficits. Previously, such assistance might have been available ad hoc, but this formalizes and requires it with reporting obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The USDA will need to allocate resources for technical assistance delivery and annual reporting, potentially increasing administrative workload but enhancing program effectiveness in rural areas.
- On Citizens: Residents in underserved rural communities could gain better access to federal aid for development projects, leading to improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and services like housing and healthcare, particularly in high-poverty or border areas.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though provisions addressing U.S.-Mexico border infrastructure could indirectly support cross-border cooperation on issues like water and sanitation, without altering foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- USDA and Secretary of Agriculture: Responsible for implementing and reporting on the program.
- Local Partners: Governments, businesses, cooperatives, healthcare providers, community institutions, and nonprofits in targeted rural areas, who receive the technical support.
- Rural Residents: Individuals in socially vulnerable, poverty-stricken, economically distressed, or border-adjacent communities, who benefit from enhanced program access.
- Congressional Committees: House and Senate Agriculture Committees, which receive reports and oversee implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes enforceable deadlines (e.g., one-year implementation) and reporting requirements, potentially subject to judicial review if not met. Relies on USDA's existing authority over rural programs without raising separation-of-powers concerns.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I to promote general welfare, focusing on equitable distribution of federal resources to underserved areas; no apparent First Amendment or due process issues.
- Political: Promotes rural revitalization, which could appeal to bipartisan interests in agriculture and economic equity. It highlights disparities in rural vs. urban development and border-specific needs, potentially influencing future funding debates without partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 2025-12-04: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-12-02: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4977)
- 2025-12-02: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (3 pages)