Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

Estimated read time: 3 min.

DHS releases list identifying 'sanctuary jurisdictions'

On May 30, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions," including nearly 400 counties. The list is part of the implementation of the Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order.

• What it means: DHS will send formal notification to designated sanctuary jurisdictions and urge them to review and revise their policies to align with the administration’s immigration enforcement priorities.
• Evolving situation: The list published on Friday has since been taken down. NACo is monitoring the situation and will update this blog post as we learn more.
• How to take action: Counties can reach out to sanctuaryjurisdictions@hq.dhs.gov with any questions about the sanctuary jurisdiction designation. NACo also recommends that counties consult with legal counsel to ensure immigration-related policies are consistent with state and federal laws. 

TAKE IT DOWN Act signed into law

NACo attended a bill signing ceremony on May 20 for the TAKE IT DOWN Act. The bipartisan legislation supports counties working to combat digital abuse and deepfake crimes.

• New protections: The new legislation criminalizes nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, including explicit deepfakes.
• Support for counties: The law includes provisions supporting local law enforcement’s role in protecting victims and pursuing offenders.
• AI safeguards: It also addresses emerging threats made worse by generative AI tools misused by bad actors.

Counties gear up to support the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill 

With the $1.2 trillion Surface Transportation Reauthorization set to expire in 2026, counties are preparing for advocacy efforts around the bill, which supports roads, bridges, transit and more.

• County investment: Counties contribute over $146 billion annually to infrastructure projects.
• Federal partnership: NACo emphasizes the need for direct investment and flexibility in transportation funding.
• New toolkit: NACo launched a resource hub to help counties advocate for priorities during congressional negotiations.

Budget reconciliation bill moves to the Senate

The House-passed budget reconciliation bill — called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — heads to the Senate, offering counties an opportunity to advocate for critical changes.

• Positive provisions: The bill preserves municipal bond tax exemption, reauthorizes the Secure Rural Schools program and delays Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts.
• Funding support: The bill also includes $1.6 billion for major event preparedness.
• Ongoing concerns: The budget would raise administrative cost-sharing under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, impose new Medicaid burdens and limit local control over AI regulation.
• Call to action: The Senate phase is a pivotal moment for counties to shape the final legislation and protect essential services. Counties are encouraged to reach out to Senators to discuss county priorities.

Remembering Congressman Gerry Connolly

Counties across the nation mourn the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly, a lifelong advocate for local government with deep roots in public service.

• Local legacy: Rep. Connolly served 15 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including two as chair.
• Congressional leadership: He co-chaired the bipartisan Former Local Elected Officials Caucus, amplifying local perspectives on Capitol Hill.
• Enduring impact: Rep. Connolly championed civil discourse, intergovernmental cooperation and county-level priorities in Congress.