Empowering Rural Communities Act

HR 7579, the Empowering Rural Communities Act, sets aside 2.5% of existing funding from USDA Rural Development discretionary grant programs to provide targeted technical assistance to rural communities. It directly supports communities lacking grant-writing staff, with low historical participation in federal programs, or located in persistent poverty or high-need areas. Key provisions include funding for training, project planning, outreach, and developing complete grant applications for priorities like broadband, water systems, and housing. The bill uses existing appropriations without requiring new funding and mandates annual reports to Congress on outcomes and service distribution.