Conservatives everywhere are celebrating as the House just voted 426-1 in favor of the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act. The bill was supported by 216 Republicans and 208 Democrats. Originally introduced by Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn. in reaction to learning that the Department of Education was withholding funds for school hunting and archery courses, this legislation is critical for children.
This act seeks to protect the educational enrichment programs offered by schools, such as hunting and archery, which have been threatened due to the Biden administration’s interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).
By protecting these courses, we are promoting an appreciation for nature and encourages students to participate in enriching activities that foster focus on goals.
Representative Green believes that hunters and fishers are some of the best conservationists, and that activities like hunting with a firearm or bow can help control wildlife populations while also connecting people with nature.
NEW: My Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act passed the House with bipartisan support.
Hunting, fishing, and archery are cornerstones of American culture. My bill ensures these traditions—and opportunities for students—are protected. https://t.co/GHlP8i8J1O pic.twitter.com/wgn52zNMKj
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) September 27, 2023
In July, the Biden administration shared federal guidance to hunting education groups highlighting that hunting and archery programs in schools would be stripped of funding.
According to senior agency official Sarah Martinez who wrote this guidance, these courses could not be funded under the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) due to their use of “technically dangerous weapons”.
As a result, many schools have already removed such courses from their curriculums due to this decision from the Department of Education.
Rep. Green believes this legislation will impact an estimated 50,000 students in his state alone however the Department of Education has stated they would only reverse course if legislation was passed explicitly revising 2022 law to allow funding for shooting sport programs in schools.
In addition, Sens Cornyn (R-Texas), Tillis (R-N.C.), and Sinema (I-Ariz.) have all introduced companion legislation which seeks to ensure these educational enrichment programs remain available in schools across the country so students continue having access to them without federal interruption or financial burden on districts or parents alike.
