; and (D) to carry out any other activities, as determined by the Secretary to be appropriate. (6) Employees The Secretary shall ensure that not more than 4 full-time equivalent employees are assigned to the Office. (7) Applicability In carrying out the mission and goals of the Office under paragraph (3) and the duties of the Assistant Secretary under paragraph (4), the Assistant Secretary shall consider as rural any area considered to be a rural area under a Federal transportation program of the Department. . (2) Council on Credit and Finance Section 117(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (I) The Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Investment. . (c) Reorganization proposal (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the relevant congressional committees, shall develop a proposed reorganization of the functions of the Department to ensure improved coordination and prioritization of programs and services that promote rural infrastructure investment, expansion, equity, and economic development. (2) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that describes the proposed reorganization plan under paragraph (1). (d) Rural consultation (1) Requirement (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, each office and agency within the Department shall develop and implement a process to ensure meaningful and timely input from rural stakeholders during the development of any regulation, guidance, or policy that would have substantial direct effects on 1 or more rural areas. (B) Consultation To the maximum extent practicable and in accordance with applicable Federal law, an office or agency of the Department shall not promulgate a regulation, issue guidance, or implement a policy described in subparagraph (A) unless the office or agency— (i) consults with rural stakeholders before developing the proposed regulation