NRHA Statement on the Passage of Continuing Resolution (C.R.)
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Congress for passing a continuing resolution (C.R.) that will fund the federal government and reauthorize critical rural Medicare extenders until January 30, 2026.
Additionally, NRHA is pleased to see the full year FY 2026 funding for the Department of Agriculture (USDA). In particular, we thank Congress for funding the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program at $2 million for the coming year. This program works with rural hospitals to prevent closures and maintain and strengthen essential healthcare services in rural communities. Hospitals receive free, flexible, on-the-ground technical assistance as needed with a specific focus on hospitals currently in financial distress. NRHA is grateful for congressional support for this critical program.
NRHA also supports FY 2026 funding levels for the following USDA programs that improve rural healthcare:
$1.25 billion for Community Facilities direct loans and $650 million for guaranteed loans
$40.7 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine program
$17 million for Community Connect Grant program
$50.75 million for ReConnect Rural Broadband program
$107.5 for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
$8.2 billion for WIC
NRHA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to fund the remainder of the federal government, including the Department of Health and Human Services, beyond January 30, 2026, and ensure long-term extensions of rural Medicare extenders.