In an astonishing political twist, over 200 Democrats teamed up with their Republican counterparts, shaking the foundations of President Biden’s gun control agenda.
According to Fox News on September 27, 2023, the House passed a new bill, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, with a sweeping majority, a move that reverses the Biden administration’s 2022 decision affecting funding for school hunting and archery programs.
Earlier, the Biden-led administration’s reading of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) led to a controversial defunding of schools that promoted hunting and archery. This sparked an uproar from numerous lawmakers, claiming that these programs weren’t just sports, but pivotal in teaching conservation.
Taking center stage, Representative Green championed the right to continue such educational programs, underscoring hunters’ role as genuine conservationists. He asserted that hunting isn’t merely a sport but a bridge that connects us with nature and its conservation.
This pushback wasn’t just about archery or hunting but the values they imbued. Green emphasized the importance of these activities in nurturing students’ love for nature and instilling discipline.
Highlighting the gravity of Biden’s earlier decision, around 50,000 students in Green’s home state alone were impacted. The Education Department’s guidelines issued in July cast a shadow on hunting programs, categorizing archery and related courses as dealing with “dangerous weapons.” Consequently, they were deemed unfit for funding under the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Yet, the House’s bipartisan vote illustrates the collective concern. Many lawmakers recognized the possible adverse outcomes of the administration’s stance. The act’s supporters believe that these programs are crucial for holistic education.
In a clear bipartisan signal, the House’s decision underscores the collective understanding of the value hunting and archery programs bring in appreciating nature, understanding wildlife conservation, and honing essential life skills.