Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s administration faced a setback as the Republican-led House voted to block a proposed ban on lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands. This action was seen as a victory for gun owners, hunters, and fishing enthusiasts who viewed the ban as an attack on their Second Amendment rights. The decision to block the ban was supported by a coalition of House Republicans and some Democratic representatives.
The proposed ban, put forth by the Biden administration, claimed that lead ammunition and tackle posed environmental and wildlife risks. However, opponents argued that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims and that the ban would limit access to public lands and waters for hunters and fishers. The House passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act to prevent federal agencies from regulating lead ammo and fishing tackle on accessible federal lands.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
House of Representatives votes 214-201 to pass the GOA-backed H.R. 615 to block Biden's Lead Ammo Ban—which would eventually be weaponized to ban lead ammo on private lands. pic.twitter.com/OLcaKRnLAT
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) April 30, 2024
Critics of the ban, including Rep. Rob Wittman, emphasized that those unfamiliar with hunting and fishing should not be making decisions that impact these activities. Wittman denounced the Biden administration’s efforts as lacking scientific basis and pushed for the protection of sportsmen and women’s access to federal lands. The bill has now advanced to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.
From a conservative standpoint, this block on the lead ammunition and fishing tackle ban is a win for those who cherish their Second Amendment rights and the longstanding tradition of hunting and fishing. The Biden administration’s attempt to regulate these activities was viewed as governmental overreach that threatened the freedoms of law-abiding citizens. By passing legislation to safeguard access for hunters and anglers, lawmakers demonstrated a commitment to upholding constitutional rights and preserving recreational opportunities for Americans.
