On June 9, 2017, NAR President submitted a letter in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed re-organization of the USDA governing structure, in which the Under Secretary of Rural Development would be removed and the USDA Rural Development programs would report directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. NAR urges USDA to reconsider the elimination of the Under Secretary for Rural Development. This action would limit the ability and effectiveness of the Rural Development agencies, including the Rural Housing Service (RHS), to serve the housing and community needs of rural America. RHS oversees both the Section 502 Guaranteed and Direct Home Loan programs, as well as programs to help renovate or rebuild homes for rural families. NAR believes all of the Rural Development programs and the families they serve deserve to have a designated Under Secretary advocating for their needs.
Advertisement