Rep. Mark Green's bill ensuring federal funding for archery, shooting sports in schools signed into law

A new law sponsored by Tenn. 7th Congressional District Rep. Mark Green ensures federal funding for archery, hunting and other shooting sports in schools.

The Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which clarifies that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to weapons training for archery, hunting or other shooting sports.

President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Oct. 6.

“I appreciate the President signing this bill into law," Green said. "Today, politics was put aside, and our children are the real winners. Student-athletes deserve to take part in shooting sports without fear of their programs losing funding. If there’s anything both sides of the aisle can unite on, it’s protecting students’ ability to get involved in school programs that foster an appreciation for nature and benefit their development." 

“I hope Americans see the incredible outpouring of support for our student-athletes. Life-changing opportunities come from participating in these programs—and our children are better because of it.”

The bi-partisan bill drew support from 24 state attorneys general, including Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, as well as numerous outdoor sporting groups and organizations including The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, The Boone and Crockett Club, The National Shooting Sports Foundation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, The National Wildlife Federation, National Archery in the Schools Program and the International Order of T. Roosevelt.