Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Bipartisan Rural Recovery Act of 2025 to Support Rural Communities When Disaster Strikes

Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Bipartisan Rural Recovery Act of 2025 to Support Rural Communities When Disaster Strikes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO) introduced the Rural Recovery Act, a bipartisan measure to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is equipped to respond timely and effectively when rural communities are impacted by natural disasters.

From economic outlooks to critical infrastructure, USDA's Rural Development (RD) plays a key role in meeting the needs of rural America - support that is even more essential when rural families are in crisis. Natural disasters have become more frequent and devastating, with rural areas facing unique barriers to recovery. Yet, USDA RD state offices and applicants are required to undergo a tedious application process in order to receive emergency recovery technical assistance during a Presidentially-declared disaster.

Currently, USDA recovery efforts take too long to reach communities, and delays the rebuilding of essential infrastructure like telecommunications, water systems, housing, community facilities, and energy services. To strengthen a disaster response effort, the bipartisan Rural Recovery Act would:

"In Western Maryland, the Westernport community-which suffered devastating floods in May-has come together in heart and spirit, fighting to rebuild what was lost, but they shouldn't have to do it alone," said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. "Had we received automatic technical assistance through USDA Rural Development, local economies, infrastructure, and families would have felt the difference. Emergencies don't wait for lengthy application processes - and our communities can't either."

"Growing up in Colorado, I've seen how wildfires, drought, and floods hit small towns especially hard. When disaster strikes our families and small businesses shouldn't have to fight through federal red tape just to rebuild. This bipartisan bill equips USDA with the tools to deliver immediate financial support to rural communities so our farmers and ranchers, main street businesses, and families can get back on their feet faster than ever before," said Congressman Gabe Evans.

Cosponsors include: Fields (D-LA), Salinas (D-OR), Stansbury (D-NM), Thompson (D-CA)

You can view the bill text here.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.