On Tuesday, Congress voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation striking down the Biden administration’s controversial decision to block federal funding for school shooting sports courses.
In a 424-1 vote, the House approved the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act with 216 Republicans and 208 Democrats voting in its favor. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) was the sole legislator to vote against the bill.
“Hunters and fishers are the best conservationists,” Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) told Fox News Digital after the vote. “Hunting, whether it be with a firearm or bow, is one of the most effective ways to control wildlife populations, protect our beautiful lands, and connect with nature. My Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act is critical for our children.”
He added in a separate statement that American students should be encouraged to “participate in enriching athletic activities that foster an appreciation for nature and the ability to focus on a goal.” According to Green, in his state alone, the Biden administration’s funding decision impacts an estimated 50,000 students.
The Tennessee lawmaker introduced the bill last month, following the publication of a Fox News Digital report in late July that revealed the Department of Education was withholding funds for school hunting and archery courses.
The Biden administration’s ability to withhold federal funding from schools came from the administration’s controversial interpretation of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to mean such programs can no longer receive taxpayer funds.
The BSCA was initially criticized as a “gun control” bill but touted by proponents as an effort to promote “safer, more inclusive and positive” schools. It was passed overwhelmingly by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in June 2022 shortly after numerous mass shootings. (RELATED: Texas Investigative Committee Releases Damning Uvalde Report)
In the guidance, obtained first by Fox News Digital, senior agency official Sarah Martinez wrote that archery, hunter education and wilderness safety courses use weapons that are “technically dangerous weapons” and therefore “may not be funded under” the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
However, the Department of Education has doubled down on its interpretation of the BSCA, saying it would only reverse course if legislation was passed explicitly revising the 2022 law to allow funding for shooting sport programs in schools.
Earlier this month, three of the four BSCA Senate sponsors introduced companion legislation to Green’s bill.
“The Biden administration’s misinterpretation of these provisions has jeopardized educational enrichment programs like hunting and archery, which play a critical role in our next generation’s development and well-being,” Cornyn said Tuesday after the House vote. “This legislation would ensure these programs remain available in schools across the nation, and I urge the Senate to pass it as soon as possible.”
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PresidentArsewipe and the DepartmentOfIndoctrination BOTH NEED TO GO.
B A D L Y
In the past I taught the youth firearms safety course in our state. The instructors were totally volunteers and were paid nothing. Many young people took the class in order to be able to hunt, but fully as many enrolled so that they could compete in trap shooting or just in order to feel more comfortable around firearms that others in the household might have. The classes were one-third to one-half young women. In my mind, a well-taught course for youth is a major aid in keeping kids from using firearms irresponsibly and a good counterbalance to the lessons that get taught on the street and in gangs.