Expanded Gun Rights on Federal Land Approved by House Panel

Hunters and gun enthusiasts would face fewer restrictions on using their weapons on federal land under a broad legislative package the House Natural Resources Committee approved Sept. 13, despite unanimous Democratic opposition.

The hunting and fishing bill sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) would indefinitely bar the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating lead metal shots and tackle, which environmental groups argued contaminate fish.

In a 22–13 vote, the panel approved the package to expand gun rights on federal land and ease fishing restrictions, while rejecting measures to permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund and to study the environmental effects of a Mexico border wall.

Duncan’s bill also would broadly expand protections for firearm use on federal land and decreases the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’s authority to regulate rifle ammunition and silencers.

Republicans touted the bill as a boost to lawful recreation activities, but that position isn’t shared across the aisle.

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), ranking member on the committee, blasted the bill as a service to the National Rifle Association, and other Democrats followed suit. “This is the worst legislation I’ve come across in my time in Congress,” Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) said.