The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) welcomes the opportunity to continue to work with Congress in strengthening the Rural Development Title (VI) in the 2024 House Farm Bill as considerations continue in the legislative process. Rural Development programs are critical to driving economic prosperity of rural communities nationwide, and the dynamism of the American economy as a whole. Economic development, small business growth, broadband, infrastructure, housing, healthcare and childcare resources are fundamental to keeping American communities strong. Moreover, IEDC fully supports the inclusion of baseline funding for a Rural Partnership Program in the House final text of the Farm Bill through the Rural Partnerships Program. Capacity building instruments like the Rural Partnership Program further strengthen and ensure economic resiliency in our communities and will enable sustained funding into economic development programs across the country. 

Nathan Ohle
President and CEO
International Economic Development Council (IEDC)