By wrongfully misinterpreting the language of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed into law last year, the Biden Administration has stopped funding for archery, hunting, target shooting, and other outdoor classes and programs in schools.

These time-honored programs provide unique experiences for students to learn responsibility, be a part of a team, improve mental health, and develop a passion for a sport, all while being introduced to the safe and legal handling of shooting sports equipment. The misinterpretation of the BSCA by the Biden Administration will negatively impact millions of students across the country. Teachers and school personnel engaged with these programs have reported that student participation correlates with academic performance, behavior, and school attendance improvements. 

Not only will students lose the positive social, academic, and mental health benefits associated with these programs, but the misinterpretation also undermines opportunities for hunter education courses that have been accredited with reducing fatalities and injuries related to hunting by over 80% since 1959.

I signed onto the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act to ensure that this does not happen again. As we work to get this legislation across the finish line, I will not allow these programs to be put on the backburner. I sent a letter to the Department of Education and called on them to revisit the legislative intent of the BSCA before these programs are delayed or canceled for the school year, and millions of students are negatively impacted.

As an avid hunter and Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I will remain committed to protecting these enriching programs so students across the country can continue to enjoy and learn from them for years to come.