Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association applauds the passage of H.R. 2406, the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act. Introduced by Representative Robert Wittman (R-VA 1), the SHARE Act provides enhanced access to public lands while limiting punitive regulations promoted by “animal rights” extremists.
“The SHARE Act will strengthen America’s hunting, fishing, and sport shooting heritage now and in the future,” said Chris Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “There will be more resources available for public ranges, more hunter access to public lands, and more opportunities for Americans to enjoy the great outdoors.”
In addition to allowing law-abiding gun owners increased access to carry firearms on land managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, the SHARE Act also protects the use of traditional ammunition and requires that U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management management plans to facilitate hunting, fishing, and shooting. Finally, the bill would more comprehensively address the interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition for hunters and law-abiding gun owners.
“On behalf of our 5 million members, we would like to thank Speaker Paul Ryan, (R-WI 1), Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA 1). We also appreciate the hard work of Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT 1), Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX 32) and the lead sponsors of the bill: Reps. Robert Wittman (R-VA 1), Tim Walz (D-MN 1), Jeff Duncan (R-SC 3) and Gene Green (D-TX 29) on moving this legislation through the House,” concluded Cox.
The NRA would also like to thank Safari Club International, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and other groups that worked hard to rally support for the legislation.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where a similar package (the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015) has already advanced from the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources and Environment and Public Works.
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.