Press Releases

Today, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 4089, the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012, in a strong bipartisan vote.  The legislation reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to protecting fishing, hunting and recreational shooting.  It was supported by dozens of sportsmen, conservation, and Second Amendment advocacy organizations. 

The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 combined four pieces of standalone legislation. Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK), both members of the Congressional Western Caucus, each authored one of the individual bills included in the comprehensive package.

“With the Recreational Shooting Protection Act to help preserve the shooting sports as a critical part of this bill, I am proud to have helped introduce this legislation to protect many opportunities for sportsmen all over the country from being placed in an indefinite bureaucratic chokehold.” – Congressman Jeff Flake, AZ-06

“These polar bears were hunted and harvested legally. For those that may question the intent behind this legislation, ask yourself what the conservation value of a dead polar bear is. The fact of the matter is that from the beginning, this bill has had bipartisan support because holding these bears to score political points is not only ridiculous, but unacceptable to me.” – Congressman Don Young, AK – At Large

The bill also includes language to create a greater level of accountability in monument designations made by the President. The language would ensure that a Presidential declaration of a national monument under the 1906 Antiquities Act must first receive the approval of the Governor and State Legislature of the affected state.