As the 118th Congress concludes, several reauthorizations important to regional councils and local governments were passed in 2024 while others remain unresolved. The passed and pending reauthorizations support federal programs related to economic development, community infrastructure, services for elder adults and other initiatives at the local and regional levels. Significant programs with lapsed authorizations, such as those under the Older Americans Act and other federal laws, will likely shape priorities in the 119th Congress that started on January 3, 2025.
Key Reauthorizations Passed by the 118th Congress
One of the most significant reauthorizations in 2024 was the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. WRDA is biennial legislation that authorizes flood control, navigation and ecosystem restoration projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This bill, passed by both the House and Senate in December 2024 and, at the time of this publication, pending signature by President Biden, includes over 200 feasibility studies and 22 new or modified construction projects that will impact communities across the country.
WRDA also reauthorizes the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time in 20 years. The reauthorization streamlines grant processes, enhances regional collaboration and expands EDA’s role in disaster relief. It also increases overall authorized funding levels, ensuring continued support for distressed communities and local economic development initiatives. EDA-funded programs are vital to Centralina’s efforts to support economic growth, address infrastructure needs and assist disaster recovery.
Other important reauthorizations signed into law during the 118th Congress include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2024. The FAA reauthorization, which became law in May 2024, addresses airport infrastructure, aviation safety and workforce programs. In July 2024, Congress passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act, extending authorization for firefighter assistance grants and training programs. Additionally, Congress passed the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act which reauthorizes part B of Title IV of the Social Security Act to modernize child welfare services and expand regional partnership grants to support families affected by substance use.
Another key piece of legislation reauthorized in 2024 is the Farm Bill. Set to lapse in 2024, the legislation was extended for one year through the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress. This extension supports essential agriculture, food assistance and rural development programs. The Continuing Resolution also includes nearly $30 billion in assistance to farmers and over $100 billion in disaster aid funding, including $1.5 billion allocated for the EDA to help areas impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. A long-term reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which is typically reauthorized for five years, will be a top consideration for the next Congress.
Key Reauthorizations Still Pending
While some critical reauthorizations moved forward, others did not and will need to start the legislative process over in the 119th Congress. Notably, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorizations were not included in final legislation passed by the 118th Congress. This leaves some uncertainty regarding WIOA and OAA programs, which rely on federal funding to address local workforce needs and provide services for aging Americans. Though programs with lapsed authorizations typically continue to operate if Congress allocates funding, there will be questions about long-term federal support without reauthorization by Congress.
Regional councils like Centralina play a vital role in administering federally authorized programs under WIOA and OAA, ensuring local communities benefit from these services. WIOA supports workforce development initiatives, including training programs and employment services, while the OAA helps seniors remain independent and active in their communities through nutrition programs, caregiver support and other services. Because Congress failed to reauthorize WIOA and OAA in 2024, new reauthorization bills must be introduced in the next Congress. Lawmakers are expected to encounter bipartisan pressure to provide ongoing congressional support for these important programs.
Looking Ahead to the 119th Congress
As the 119th Congress convenes, the future of these reauthorizations will remain a priority. The next Congress will have a packed legislative agenda, driven in part by the incoming Trump Administration’s goals, so pushing for swift action on WIOA and OAA will be crucial. Other “must-pass” legislation for the 119th Congress include the annual appropriations bills, the National Defense Authorization Act, and reauthorization of the Farm Bill beyond 2025. Centralina will continue advocating for key programs that align with regional and local priorities and seek improvements in those programs to better meet community needs.
