WASHINGTON— This week, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–authored language that secures complete funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.  

“PILT is one of the most important programs for Idaho’s rural counties. As Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, one of my top priorities has been securing funding for this program, which supports local schools, police departments, transportation infrastructure, and health services in rural communities. I am proud to continue advocating for this critical funding and grateful for the Trump administration’s support in fully funding a program that serves as a lifeline for our rural counties,” said Rep. Simpson.  

The PILT program provides compensation to local governments for the loss of tax revenue resulting from the presence of federal land in their county or state. For additional information regarding PILT, see the Fiscal Year 2025 PILT payments, by State or by State and County, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Interior.