Barr's HELP in Rural Communities Act Included in Final Version of Major Transportation Bill

Press Release

H.R. 1259, the Helping Expand Lending Practices (HELP) in Rural Communities Act introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) has been included in the final conference report of H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, which is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives tomorrow. Congressman Barr's bill would allow communities to contest their designation as "non-rural" and the restrictions that designation brings on lending by community banks and credit unions.

H.R. 1259 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 401-1 in April. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) introduced the Senate version of the bill.

"With many rural communities still struggling to comply with burdensome regulations intended for urban areas, I'm pleased the HELP in Rural Communities Act has been included in this legislation, which will likely be signed into law," said Congressman Barr. "My bill has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the past two Congresses, and I am optimistic it will get past the finish line and make a real difference for families and small businesses in rural America."

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