The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday overwhelmingly passed the Special District Grant Accessibility Act (H.R. 7525) – legislation that would codify a first-ever definition of "special district" in federal law and ensure districts are eligible for all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance. The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Pat Fallon (R) who represents Rockwall County as part of the 4th Congressional District of Texas, along with Brittany Pettersen (D-Colorado). The legislation cleared the House with an overwhelming 352-27 vote and was cosponsored by a number of members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. "The consequence of current law is some communities served by special districts cannot access certain federal funding opportunities, which has a huge impact on the ability of special districts to provide vital services and meet community needs," Fallon said in a statement released by his office on Tuesday.