; (B) improving the administrative efficiency of Federal economic development programs serving rural communities; and (C) streamlining and simplifying the application process for Federal funding opportunities for rural communities. ; (7) in subsection (f), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Council and inserting Network ; (8) in subsection (g), by striking Council each place it appears and inserting Network ; and (9) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: (h) Innovative cross-Agency coordination (1) In general The Secretary, acting as Chair of the Network, may carry out innovative strategies for coordinating with other Federal departments and agencies with respect to programs that serve rural areas. (2) Priorities In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize— (A) improving ease of access to Federal programs for resource-constrained rural communities; (B) utilizing early technical assistance to reduce duplicative applications and administrative costs at the Federal level; (C) leveraging partnerships with local, State, philanthropic, and private entities to maximize returns on Federal investments; (D) integrating stakeholder and program user experience into program design; and (E) targeting areas experiencing economic distress, as determined by the Secretary. .