2004—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–199 amended heading and text of subsec. (b)(2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘eligible rural community’ means any incorporated or unincorporated place that—

“(A) has not more than 20,000 inhabitants, based on the most recent available population statistics of the Bureau of the Census; and

“(B) is not located in an area designated as a standard metropolitan statistical area.”

Pub. L. 107–171, title VI, § 6103(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 418, provided that:

“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 13, 2002], the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section].

“(2) Procedure.—The promulgation of the regulations shall be made without regard to—

“(A) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code;

“(B) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and

“(C) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Paperwork Reduction Act’).

“(3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking.—In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code.”