IARN — Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa is requesting an update on the Biden administration’s efforts to implement the Seeding Rural Resilience Act. Grassley sent the request to the Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services this week.
The 2020 legislation is designed to curb the rising rate of suicide in rural areas – in the National Defense Authorization Act. The law requires interagency coordination between USDA and HHS. Grassley notes current economic conditions make timely implementation of the law even more important, adding, “The timely implementation of the Seeding Rural Resilience Act can provide life-saving resources to rural Americans.”
In February and again in June, Grassley asked Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about efforts he is taking to support implementation of the Seeding Rural Resilience Act, given the surgeon general’s emphasis on improving mental health. To date, Grassley has not received an answer from the surgeon general.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
Pictured: Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley meets with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association on 11-22-2021. (IARN photo)
