Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS). The program, which provides $1.7 million to West Virginia counties every year, expired on September 30, 2018. The legislation would extend the program for two years.

“Forty-three West Virginia counties receive Secure Rural Schools payments to fund our schools, repair roads and support our law enforcement officials. While I continue to work towards a permanent solution this legislation will provide temporary protections,” Senator Manchin said.

In January, Senator Manchin sent U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Acting U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt a letter urging the delivery of Secure Rural Schools payments as quickly as possible in the aftermath of the government shutdown.

In May 2017, Senator Manchin introduced similar legislation to extend the Secure Rural Schools program. In February 2017, Senator Manchin sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney urging him to fund the Secure Rural Schools program.

Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), James Risch (R-ID), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined Senator Manchin in introducing the legislation.