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14 | Page December 20 I ssue Legislative Updates & NewsPriorities during the lame duck CongressDuring this lame duck session, Congress has a laundry list of items that must be addressed by the end of the year that are critical to counties, including: Federal appropriations to fund government operations and critical programs through fiscal year 2025, with the current funding bill expiring on Friday, December 20 Supplemental disaster relief funding to address recovery needs from recent natural disastersReauthorization of the Economic Development Administration, which would help local communities achieve long-term economic growth based on local and regional priorities Passage of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision that reduces the social security benefits of the retirees that have also earned a government pension Reauthorization of the Farm Bill to ensure continuity of agricultural, nutrition and rural development programs These legislative actions are essential to sustaining local services, supporting economic development and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in counties across the nation.Congress enacts federal funding for county veteran service officersThe agreement contains, for the first time ever, federal resources for County Veteran Services Officers through a new competitive grant program.Read more