On Tuesday, the U.S. House voted 424-1 to pass the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act. This bipartisan effort would amend the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act to specify that these affected programs are eligible for federal dollars.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Mark Green (R-TN).
He noted that Washington lawmakers “should never prevent our children from receiving safety and skills training in archery, hunting and other shooting sports. Hunting, fishing and archery are cornerstones of American culture, and it’s our duty to make sure that these traditions — and opportunities for students — are protected.”
The ill-conceived BSCA was the first federal gun control legislation to take effect in three decades. Because of its vague wording, or perhaps ill political intent, funding was ripped away from traditional school programs.
In April, the Department of Education informed the public through its official guide that it will no longer support any educational program that offers anyone “a dangerous weapon or training in the use of a dangerous weapon.”
By federal definition, this includes all guns and even knives except for those with blades under 2½ inches in length.
After the ensuing public uproar, the Education Department clarified its language to reaffirm that school hunting, archery and sports shooting programs were no longer eligible for the funding.
Gun rights groups, hunting advocates and a broad swath of lawmakers across the political aisle erupted in protest.
The bill now moves to the Senate and presumably on to the White House for passage. Safety programs benefit everyone, and partisan politics should not stand in the way of continuing this strong American tradition.
