Austin News

On October 11, 2023, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) celebrated the signing of their Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act into law. This legislation clarifies that students may continue to have access to educational enrichment programs and activities such as archery and hunting safety education under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Senator Cornyn expressed his relief and satisfaction with the new law, stating, "The Biden administration’s misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a shameful and deliberate attempt to prevent students from participating in educational enrichment programs like hunting and archery. This legislation would ensure these valuable programs remain available in schools across the country, and I’m glad the President chose to correct his own administration’s egregious mistake by signing it into law."

Senator Sinema also voiced her frustration with the administration's handling of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, saying, "Congress did its job – we came together and passed the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to make our communities safer – but the Administration failed to do its job and follow our law as it was written. We shouldn’t have to pass more laws just to tell the Administration to do their job – but here we are – we’re holding the Administration accountable, ensuring accurate interpretation of our law, and allowing students in Arizona and across the country to continue enjoying school-based hunting and archery programs as our law intended."

Senator Tillis emphasized the importance of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in promoting mental health, school safety, and the protection of Second Amendment rights. He criticized the Biden administration for its partisan interpretation of the act, calling it a "slap in the face to millions of Americans, particularly in rural areas." He expressed pride in the fact that the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act was signed into law, allowing the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as it was intended.

The Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mark Green (TN-07), received support from Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Boozman (R-AR) as cosponsors. The legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to clarify that federal education funds can be used for extracurricular programs like archery, hunting, other shooting sports, or culinary arts.

This legislation is a result of the efforts of Senator Cornyn and his colleagues to advocate for the restoration of federal funding for educational activities like hunting and archery. They wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, urging him to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as intended. They also wrote a letter to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, seeking clarification that school districts can continue to use their funding for educational enrichment programs, including hunting, outdoor activities, archery, and culinary education.

With the signing of the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act into law, students across the country can be assured of continued access to educational programs that promote hunting, archery, and other enriching activities. The bipartisan effort behind this legislation serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation in Congress and the protection of students' educational opportunities.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-sinema-tillis-bill-to-protect-school-hunting-archery-programs-signed-into-law/