Barrasso Bill Stops Biden’s Attack on School Hunting, Archery Programs
Written by Press Release on September 7, 2023
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has taken a significant step by introducing the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act.
The purpose of this act is to prevent the Biden administration from withholding funding for elementary and secondary schools that have hunting and archery programs. By introducing this act, Senator Barrasso aims to protect these valuable recreational resources and ensure that schools can continue offering these programs to their students without financial barriers.
The press release from the Office of Senator Barrasso reads:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act to stop the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools with hunting and archery programs.
This legislation would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to the use of funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings, or related activities provided for students.
“The Biden administration continues its attack on our constitutional rights and Wyoming values,” said Senator Barrasso. “Now, President Biden’s Department of Education is blocking funding for schools with hunter education and archery programs. These important programs help students learn proper firearm instruction and archery safety. These valuable programs decrease firearm-related injuries and accidents. They also connect our students to the long-standing heritage and traditions of America and the West. Our legislation will stop any attempts to block funding for schools with hunter education and archery programs and keep Washington politics out of Wyoming’s schools.”
This bill has received support from the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the National Rifle Association, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Safari Club International, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
“As Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I know how critical these programs are to students in Wyoming and across the country, and this action by the Biden Administration is an attack not only on our important education programs but our way of life. I applaud Senator Barrasso and Senator Lummis for their leadership on this important bill and for fighting to protect our school hunting and archery programs.” – Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction
“We thank Senator Barrasso for his introduction of the ARROW Act and to ensure that archery, hunting and shooting sports programs remain unaffected in Wyoming schools. These programs play a vital role in fostering conservation ethic in our state’s youngest citizens and play a valuable role in teaching our youth the value of wildlife and safety.” – Brian Nesvik, Wyoming Game and Fish Director
Co-sponsors of this bill include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).
Background:
Senator Barrasso led 18 Republican colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging the administration to withdraw any plans to block funding for schools with hunting and archery programs.
Every year, more than 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses. These programs have decreased hunting accidents by over 50 percent.
According to the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), 1.3 million students in over 8,000 schools across the country participate in archery programs each year. Nearly 40 percent of these students who participate have reported being more engaged in the classroom.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
