There's wonderful news today coming out of Congress: The U.S. House of Representatives just passed H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act. The bill, which is now on its way to President Trump's desk, promises to help secure the future of public-land hunting, shooting and recreation for generations to come. With bipartisan support in both houses of Congress, this exciting legislation fully funds America's Land and Water Conservation Fund...and that means that America's public places to hunt and to shoot will remain available and usable for America's sportswomen.
As NRA Women already know, one of the greatest barriers to getting involved in the shooting sports is simply finding a place to do so. Our public lands are meant to serve that purpose. The problem comes in when the Land and Conservation Fund's pockets are empty--which results in access and management problems. The Great American Outdoors Act makes sure that America's public lands can always deliver on their promise to America's hunters and shooters.
Fulfilling that promise means repairing trails and upgrading access, among other projects. Those projects include wildlife habitat conservation, road and trail repairs and increased recreational access to our public lands and waters.
“This will be a great example of a promise kept by the Trump Administration for America’s sportsmen and women,” said Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs and General Counsel. “Secretary David Bernhardt and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith recognize that our nation’s public lands belong to all Americans and the Trump Administration delivered on the guarantee that those lands and waters are accessible to America’s conservation-minded hunters and recreational target shooters. Those men and women are the greatest stewards of our natural resources and this initiative to expand and open new opportunities will nurture the next generation to enjoy and preserve our national outdoor heritage.”
It's widely expected that President Trump will sign the bill into law...and we here at NRA Women are applauding!
