SW Arkansas Times

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, in a move to safeguard outdoor education programs for students. Congressman Bruce Westerman, an avid outdoorsman and cosponsor of the bill, expressed his support for the legislation.

In a statement, Congressman Westerman expressed his concern over the Biden Administration's misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which resulted in the halt of funding for archery, hunting, target shooting, and other outdoor recreation classes and programs in schools. He highlighted the importance of these programs in teaching safe and legal handling of shooting sports equipment while providing unique experiences for students to learn responsibility, improve mental health, be part of a team, and develop a passion for sports.

"I was proud to cosponsor this bill to ensure that the Biden Administration cannot misinterpret the BSCA to block funding for these time-honored programs," Congressman Westerman said. He also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support in protecting these enriching programs for students.

The misinterpretation of the legislative intent of the BSCA by the U.S. Department of Education would have had a negative impact on millions of students participating in archery programs, hunter education classes, wilderness and outdoor classes, and school-sponsored target shooting teams. It also threatened opportunities for accredited hunter education courses that have significantly reduced hunting-related fatalities since 1959.

Congressman Westerman, along with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and other House Republicans, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Education (ED) Secretary Miguel Cardona in August, condemning the withholding of funds from hunting and archery education programs nationwide. They requested a reversal of the action and urged the ED to revisit the legislative intent of the BSCA.

In a follow-up letter, Congressman Westerman, along with leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, emphasized the need for the Department to reconsider its interpretation of the BSCA and issue revised guidance to prevent the negative impact on millions of students.

H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, ensures that the Biden Administration cannot misinterpret the BSCA to stop funding for hunting, archery, and other outdoor recreation courses in schools. The bill also amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to clarify that schools' programs educating students in archery, hunting, and related courses are eligible for funding.

The passage of H.R. 5110 is a significant step in safeguarding outdoor education programs and ensuring that students have the opportunity to engage in these enriching activities. It reflects the bipartisan support for preserving the traditions of hunting and archery while recognizing the educational and personal development benefits they provide.

The full text of H.R. 5110 can be viewed by clicking here.

To find out more, go to this link: https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-westerman-cosponsored-bill-protect-outdoor-education