Bipartisan effort aims to prevent Biden from eliminating archery and hunting in schools.

Republican ⁣and Democrat lawmakers are joining forces to protect school archery and hunting programs from⁢ being ‌defunded by the Department of Education (DOE). They argue that the DOE’s decision to ⁤cut funding ‌for these programs under⁤ the ‌Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) is a misinterpretation of the ‌law.

The ⁤BSCA, passed in response to recent high-profile shootings, prohibits federal⁣ funds ‍from being used to train​ school staff in⁣ using dangerous weapons.⁣ However, the lawmakers believe that the ‌DOE’s‌ interpretation of the law excludes certain educational activities, such as ‍archery ⁣and hunter safety education, ⁤from receiving federal resources.

“The Department’s interpretation ​has sparked concerns⁣ from district and state leaders that ESEA⁣ funds may no longer ​be used to support archery,⁤ hunter safety education, or other extracurricular programs.”

In a letter addressed to Education Secretary Miguel​ A. Cardona, the lawmakers express their concerns and urge the DOE ⁤to align its interpretation ‌of the ​BSCA with Congressional intent. They emphasize the importance of‍ these programs in empowering students and teaching them⁤ valuable⁤ skills.

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The DOE has⁤ advised local and state education agencies⁢ to​ find alternative funding sources for these programs. However, the ‌lawmakers argue that these ‌enrichment activities are crucial for students of all backgrounds and should continue to receive federal support.

Hunter safety classes and‌ programs, in particular, ⁢play ​a vital role in teaching safety, wildlife management, landowner relations, and personal responsibility. Research shows that participation in these programs has significantly reduced hunting-related injuries over ⁣the past five decades.

The lawmakers call on the DOE ‌to⁢ reconsider its stance and ensure‍ that educational entities​ no longer have to ⁣seek additional funding sources for programs that align with ⁢the intent ‌of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).

The BSCA was carefully crafted to protect law-abiding ​citizens’ ⁢Second ⁢Amendment rights, and the lawmakers believe that the DOE’s actions undermine this purpose.

The letter ⁣is⁢ signed by 18 U.S. senators, including Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.),⁢ Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham‍ (R-S.C.), and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).

Protecting Second Amendment Rights

Representative ⁢Claudia ‍Tenney (R-N.Y.) criticizes⁢ the Biden administration ⁢for its attempt‌ to defund archery and shooting sports ‌programs. ⁢She argues ⁤that these programs ⁣teach responsible firearm handling and are important for upstate⁢ New York schools.

Rep. ⁤Tenney has ‌introduced the “Protecting‌ Hunting and Archery in Schools Act” to remove federal⁢ restrictions on hunting and archery programs. The bill aims to safeguard these popular ​after-school programs and protect constitutional rights.

Other lawmakers, including Representative Mark Green ⁣(R-Tenn.), are also‍ introducing legislation to ⁢counter the DOE’s decision. Rep. Green’s “Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act” ⁢clarifies that ⁤federal⁣ education funds can be used for training in archery, hunting, and​ other ⁢related activities.

Biden’s ‘Disconnect’ With ‍Americans

The Biden administration’s move ​to defund ‌school archery and ⁢hunting programs is seen ⁣as‍ part of its​ broader anti-Second Amendment agenda. Lawmakers argue ​that these​ programs⁢ are beneficial for children, ​helping them develop responsibility and fostering relationships with role‍ models.

Tommy Floyd, president of the National Archery in Schools Program ⁣(NASP), expresses concern over the negative impact‍ of ⁣the Biden policy. NASP has experienced significant ‌growth in participation​ and believes that any restrictions‍ on shooting‌ sports would be detrimental.