RISE Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 20, 2026
Bottom line
This bill reauthorizes and expands a federal grant program aimed at fostering economic development and job creation in rural areas, shifting its focus from specific industry clusters to broader economic opportunities and targeting smaller communities with increased funding.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, authorizing $50,000,000 annually. It expands the program by removing the previous focus on specific "industry clusters," thereby broadening the scope of eligible grant activities. Furthermore, it mandates specific funding allocations, requiring an emphasis on communities with populations under 20,000 and reserving at least 10 percent of funds for communities under 10,000 inhabitants. The bill also modifies the grant selection criteria to include concurrence from State Rural Development offices.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that reauthorizing and expanding the RISE program is crucial for stimulating economic growth and creating jobs in underserved rural areas. By removing the restrictive "industry cluster" language, the program can be more flexible and responsive to the diverse economic needs of different rural communities. The specific targeting of smaller communities ensures that the benefits reach those most in need, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship where it can have a significant impact.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while the goal of rural development is laudable, removing the focus on "industry clusters" could dilute the program's effectiveness by spreading resources too thinly across various initiatives without a clear strategic direction. They might argue that a targeted approach to specific industries could yield more sustainable economic development. Additionally, the increased authorization of appropriations without clear performance metrics could be seen as an inefficient use of taxpayer funds.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it easy for any informed reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)(5)
Reauthorization and Increased Funding for RISE Program
This provision reauthorizes the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant program for five fiscal years, from 2026 through 2030. It authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of these fiscal years, significantly increasing the program's potential funding compared to previous authorizations, thereby providing a stable and enhanced financial base for rural economic development initiatives.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that increased and sustained funding is essential to meet the growing demand for rural economic development initiatives and to allow for long-term planning and impact, fostering stability and growth.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that such a significant increase in authorized spending should be tied to more rigorous performance metrics and accountability to ensure efficient use of taxpayer money and demonstrable results.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between providing ample resources for rural development to stimulate growth and ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective program outcomes through robust oversight.
Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i), 2(a)(2)(A)(ii), 2(a)(2)(B)(i)(II), 2(a)(2)(B)(iii), 2(a)(3)(B)(i), 2(a)(3)(B)(ii), 2(a)(3)(B)(iii), 2(a)(3)(B)(iv), 2(a)(4)(A)(i), 2(a)(4)(A)(ii), 2(a)(4)(B)
Shift from Industry Cluster Focus
This bill systematically removes numerous references to "industry clusters" throughout the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act concerning the RISE grant program. Previously, the program emphasized supporting "industry clusters that are objectively identified as declining." The amendment broadens this to "industries in the area served by the partnership" and generally removes the requirement for activities to be tied to specific "industry clusters," allowing for a wider range of economic development initiatives.
Section 2(a)(2)(A)(iv)
Mandated Funding for Smaller Communities
This provision adds new requirements for the Secretary of Agriculture to target specific community types. It mandates that the Secretary shall emphasize communities with a population of fewer than 20,000 inhabitants and, crucially, award not less than 10 percent of the total annual grant amount to activities benefiting rural communities with a population of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. This ensures a dedicated portion of funding reaches the smallest rural areas.
Section 2(a)(2)(B)(v)
Modified Grant Selection Process
This provision modifies the criteria the Secretary must consider when selecting eligible entities for grants. It adds new requirements to "ensure that a diverse set of industry bases is represented" and to "only select an eligible entity to receive a grant with the concurrence of the applicable State office of the rural development mission area." It also removes the previous consideration of "industry cluster" from the list of factors, further aligning with the broader program scope.
The bill systematically removes the term "industry cluster" and related phrases from various subsections describing the purpose, activities, and selection criteria of the RISE grant program. This effectively broadens the scope of eligible economic development activities beyond a focus on specific, identified industry concentrations.
Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i), 2(a)(2)(A)(ii), 2(a)(2)(B)(i)(II), 2(a)(2)(B)(iii), 2(a)(3)(B)(i), 2(a)(3)(B)(ii), 2(a)(3)(B)(iii), 2(a)(3)(B)(iv), 2(a)(4)(A)(i), 2(a)(4)(A)(ii), 2(a)(4)(B)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending existing statutes, where specific phrases are targeted for removal. It's not necessarily evasive but requires careful reading to grasp the full policy implication.
Case for: Proponents argue this makes the program more flexible and responsive to diverse rural economies, allowing for broader innovation and job creation efforts not confined to specific industrial niches.
Case against: Critics might argue that removing this focus could dilute the program's strategic impact, leading to less concentrated and potentially less effective investment in areas with high growth potential.
Estimated impact: This change fundamentally alters the strategic direction and eligibility criteria for all grants awarded under the RISE program, affecting how all $50 million in annual authorized funds can be used.