Rounds, Thune and Barrasso Introduce Bill to Protect School Hunting and Archery Programs
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act, legislation that would prevent the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools’ hunting and archery programs. Specifically, the legislation would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings or related activities provided for students.
“In South Dakota, we greatly value our right to bear arms,” said Rounds. “School hunting and archery programs encourage responsible gun ownership and are great educational resources to help guide individuals to use best practices when handling a firearm or bow. The Biden administration continues to infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. This legislation keeps the heavy-hand of government from interfering with our way of life in South Dakota.”
“The safe and responsible use of firearms for sporting purposes and personal protection are valued components of South Dakota’s heritage,” said Thune. “Hunting and archery programs in schools allow students to learn proper firearm and bow safety skills, which is why I’m proud to support this legislation that prevents the Biden administration from its attempt to stifle lawful and common-sense activities related to the Second Amendment.”
“The Biden administration continues its attack on our constitutional rights and Wyoming values,” said 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.”
In addition to Rounds, Thune and Barrasso, this legislation was cosponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
According to the National Archery in the Schools Program, 1.3 million students across 9,000 schools are enrolled in archery courses, and more than 500,000 students participate in and are certified through hunter education courses each year.
Click HERE for full bill text.
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