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Congress’s Decisive Action on Education Funding
In a remarkable move, the U.S. House voted 424-1 for the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, H.R. 5110.
The Senate passed it unanimously. U.S. Reps. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) spearheaded this effort.
NSSF Applauds Bipartisan Support
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, lauded the swift bipartisan vote. They rebuked President Joe Biden’s bid to defund youth hunter education and archery programs.
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF’s Senior Vice President, highlighted the win.
“This is a tremendous victory for true and proven firearm safety, as well as a reminder of how Congress can unite to protect the American public from special-interest driven agendas,” said Keane.
“This should have never been an issue. Congress never wrote into the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that hunter education and archery programs were ineligible for funding. That was a unilateral decision to appease gun control and anti-hunting special interests. It was an unforced error that the Biden administration refused to acknowledge. Congress, as the representatives of the people, has spoken and spoken loudly and clearly,” Keane added.
The Biden administration’s stance on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) funding drew criticism. Congress had never excluded hunter education and archery programs from the BSCA.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona implemented the policy, which the Biden administration didn’t reverse. In response, Congress swiftly passed the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act.
CCRKBA Praises House Vote
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) celebrated the House’s decision. Alan Gottlieb, CCRKBA Chairman, criticized Biden’s move.
“Joe Biden’s attempt to stop funding for these important school programs was yet another demonstration of just how extreme this administration can be when it comes to guns and even hunting,” said Gottlieb. “These are programs that not only provide valuable and genuine safety training, but they also contribute to teaching the next generation about wildlife conservation while passing along an American tradition.
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Gottlieb also commented on the Democrats’ vote.
“However,” Gottlieb continued, “just because 208 Democrats voted for this measure does not forgive their past and future support for restrictive gun control legislation. Evidently, Democrats are beginning to realize the gun issue will not play well during the 2024 campaign, and that Biden’s attempt to cut off funding for school shooting sports could bring lots of angry sportsmen and women to the polls next November. They are trying to distance themselves from this extremely anti-gun-rights administration.”
Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas was the sole Democrat opposed. She may face backlash during her re-election, predicted Gottlieb.
White House’s Next Move Uncertain
It remains to be seen if President Biden will sign or veto the act. However, the bill’s overwhelming support suggests a veto override is possible.
Conclusion
Both the NSSF and CCRKBA have shown immense support for the legislation. Their united stand highlights the importance of these programs for the next generation and the American tradition.