GOP Pushes to Restore Funding for School Hunting and Archery Programs

House Republicans, led by Rep. Claudia Tenney, are introducing the Protecting Hunting and Archery in Schools Act to reverse the Biden administration's crackdown on school hunting education and archery programs. The legislation aims to remove the federal restriction on funding for these programs, which were stripped of funding based on Education Department guidance interpreting the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Advocates argue that these programs provide valuable opportunities for students to learn about the outdoors and responsible firearm handling. Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the administration's decision, with some lawmakers urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to rescind the guidance. The Department of Education has expressed openness to funding hunting education and archery programs and is willing to work with Congress to reverse the guidance.