Legislation introduced to the House of Representatives aimed at clarifying the previously passed Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) was nearly unanimously approved this week. Introduced by Tennessee congressman Mark Green and known as the “The Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act”, the legislation will allow for federal funding for hunter’s education, archery and culinary classes in elementary and secondary schools.
“The Biden administration’s reckless misinterpretation of the Safer Communities Act unfairly targeted archery and shooting sports in K-12 schools,” he said in a speech on the House floor. “Democrats and Republicans agree, the Biden administration missed the target—by a long shot. Under the Department of Education’s current interpretation of the law, other school activities like fencing and the culinary arts would also be at risk. This is unacceptable.”
Passed last year, the BSCA saw federal funds earmarked for hunter’s education and archery stripped away. The reasoning behind the bill was that some believed training the next generation “in the use of a dangerous weapon” was not how some allegedly wanted to see federal dollars spent.
Because many states fund their own archery and hunting programs without the use of federal funds, it is still difficult to understand the complete ramifications of the interpretation. For states like West Virginia where these types of programs are not funded by ESA money, it was still important for the U.S. Senator and former educator Shelley Capito to clarify the matter once and for all.
“Glad to see our Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act pass the House, and I hope the Senate takes action soon, ensuring our students maintain access to activities like archery and hunting safety education. These are important programs that contribute to our history and traditions in West Virginia.” Capito posted to social media in response to the House action.
While President Biden has not signaled as to whether or not he will sign the legislation, we remain hopeful that the bipartisan support of the bill is enough to get his shaky pen moving
