Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Matt Cartwright (PA-08) introduced the Transforming Hiring in Rural Industries and Vital Economies (THRIVE) Act, legislation that would strengthen and create new economic opportunities in rural areas.

This bipartisan bill would permanently establish a federal interagency council to coordinate investment in our nation’s rural areas, ensuring that the federal government maximizes its investments in rural communities. The council would be directed to ensure that federal dollars go towards a wide range of needs of rural communities, including conservation of agricultural and working lands, improvement of online educational resources for teachers and students, strengthening rural broadband, improvements to transportation, and other key priorities.

“Rural America deserves a prominent council in Washington that will advocate for the incredible workforce, natural resources and abundance of opportunities we have to offer,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I’m pleased that this legislation will bring together key decisionmakers to prioritize rural needs across various federal agencies to ensure investments are maximized for the benefit of our communities most in-need. I’m honored to join my friend across the aisle, Congressman Cartwright, to champion this important legislation for our rural regions."

“Rural communities deserve a seat at the table,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I’m proud to join my Republican colleague Representative Hal Rogers in this bipartisan effort to make sure that the federal government gives rural communities every opportunity for growth and economic development.”

The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.