Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Protect Hunters and Anglers from Federal Overreach

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, legislation that prevents federal agencies from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters used for hunting and fishing.

“Hunting and fishing are a core part of North Carolina’s heritage and the American way of life,” said Congressman Harrigan. 
“For generations, sportsmen and women have responsibly used our public lands and waters, and Washington bureaucrats should not be able to take that away with sweeping regulations that ignore the realities on the ground.”

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act ensures the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture cannot impose blanket bans on lead ammunition or fishing tackle across federal lands and waters used for hunting and fishing. The legislation still allows targeted restrictions in specific locations if there is clear field data showing wildlife populations are being harmed and if those decisions align with state wildlife policies.

Following House passage, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act now moves to the Senate for consideration. Congressman Harrigan urged his colleagues in the Senate to take up the legislation and protect access to federal lands and waters for hunters and anglers across the country.