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119-hr-9101119th CongressWALLET

Rural Grants Transparency Act

Sponsored By: Representative Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5]

In Committee

Summary

Centralizes transparency for USDA rural grant programs. This bill would create a single, public framework to make awards, scoring, and application steps for Rural Development grants easier to find and understand. It focuses on Roadmaps, standardized applicant notices, a public awards data repository, published scoring rules, required training for state and local USDA offices, and a 180 day implementation deadline with no new appropriations.

Show full summary
  • Rural applicants and communities would get clearer, user-friendly Roadmaps and standardized notifications so they can see how to apply and what winning looks like.
  • State and local USDA offices would face mandatory training and a firm 180 day deadline to update practices while operating under strict limits on implementation funds.
  • The public, reporters, and watchdogs would gain a centralized awards database and published scoring criteria that make comparisons and oversight easier.

*Would be designed to avoid new federal spending because it limits implementation funding and authorizes no new appropriations.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Clear grant rules for rural applicants

If enacted, the Secretary would publish a plain-language Roadmap for every covered Rural Development grant program. For competitive grants, the Roadmap would list every scoring factor and its weight, including tie-breakers. The Secretary would keep a public, searchable awards database updated quarterly. Applicants would get standard notices at key steps, including plain-language denial reasons and tips. State and local rural offices would get annual training on the Roadmap and common applicant problems. The bill would not let USDA create new scoring rules or change who is eligible.

Fast deadline, no new funding

If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary to implement all requirements within 180 days after enactment. The bill would also say it does not authorize any new appropriations to carry out the Act. Agencies would have to use existing USDA resources unless Congress provides funds.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5]

LA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Gallagher, James [R-CA-1]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 8/3/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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