The Forest Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently sent letters regarding sequestration impacts to governors in states that receive payments for several programs, primarily under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRSCSA). The Forest Service is requesting that states return a total of $17.9 million in funds distributed to states in fiscal 2013. Top recipients of SRSCSA funds include Oregon, California and Washington. A bipartisan group of 31 members of Congress sent a letter on March 28 to the USDA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) questioning the legal authority of the federal government to retroactively demand from states funds already disbursed to counties.

Link(s): Letter to USDA, OMB; More Information on SRSCSA Program