Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

Bill Number: H.R. 556
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-03-19: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T23:26:43Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556) aims to limit federal restrictions on the use of lead-based ammunition (bullets and shot) and tackle (fishing gear like weights) for hunting and fishing on certain federal lands and waters. It seeks to preserve traditional hunting and fishing practices while allowing limited exceptions for wildlife protection.

Key Provisions

General Prohibition: The Secretaries of the Interior (overseeing agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management) and Agriculture (overseeing the Forest Service) are barred from:
Banning lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands or waters open for hunting or fishing.
Issuing new rules setting lead limits for such ammunition or tackle.
Exceptions to the Prohibition:
Existing regulations under 50 CFR 20.21 or 20.108 (rules on hunting migratory birds, as of the bill's enactment date) remain in effect.
Bans or rules can apply to a specific federal area only if:
Field data from that area shows a wildlife population decline mainly caused by lead use.
The restriction aligns with the state's laws, the state's fish and wildlife department policies, or is approved by that department.
Reporting Requirement: Any allowed restriction must be announced in the Federal Register (a public notice system for government actions), with an explanation of how it meets the exception criteria.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new limits on federal authority, preventing broad nationwide or regional bans on lead ammunition and tackle that could have been imposed under current environmental or wildlife laws (e.g., Endangered Species Act or Migratory Bird Treaty Act).
It shifts some decision-making toward state-level input, requiring consistency with or approval from state fish and wildlife agencies for any site-specific restrictions.
No changes to pre-existing specific regulations on migratory bird hunting, ensuring continuity for those rules.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Restricts the Interior and Agriculture Departments' flexibility to regulate for environmental reasons, potentially complicating national wildlife management efforts. Agencies must now justify any lead-related rules with site-specific data and state alignment, increasing administrative burdens for notices and studies.
On Citizens: Benefits hunters and anglers by maintaining access to affordable, traditional lead-based equipment on most federal lands (covering about 640 million acres). It could reduce costs for recreational users but may limit protections against lead poisoning in wildlife, indirectly affecting ecosystems and public health (e.g., if contaminated game is consumed).
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. compliance with international wildlife treaties (like those on migratory birds) if lead use contributes to species declines affecting shared populations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Hunters and Anglers: Primary beneficiaries, as the bill protects their ability to use lead equipment without widespread federal bans.
Federal Agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Forest Service face reduced regulatory power and new procedural requirements.
State Fish and Wildlife Departments: Gain influence through required approvals or policy alignment for exceptions.
Environmental and Conservation Groups: Potentially adversely affected, as the bill may hinder efforts to phase out lead (a known toxin to birds and other animals) for broader ecosystem health.
Wildlife and Landowners: Could see varied effects, with protections in high-risk areas but ongoing lead exposure risks elsewhere.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces federalism by mandating state involvement in federal land decisions, potentially reducing challenges under laws like the Administrative Procedure Act (which governs rulemaking). It preserves existing regs to avoid disrupting ongoing enforcement.
Constitutional: Aligns with property and commerce clause interpretations by balancing federal oversight of public lands with state rights over wildlife management, avoiding overreach concerns.
Political: Highlights tensions between recreation/economic interests (hunting supports rural economies) and conservation priorities. As a referred bill, it reflects partisan divides on environmental regulation, with potential for amendments in Senate review.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

Cosponsors (83)

Rep. McGuire, John [R-VA-5], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23] and 33 more

Recent Actions

2026-03-19: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
2026-03-18: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-18: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576) (Roll call 93)
2026-03-18: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576) (Roll call 93)
2026-03-18: On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92). (Roll call 92)
2026-03-18: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
2026-03-18: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 556, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Dingell demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-03-18: The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
2026-03-18: Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
2026-03-18: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-03-18: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
2026-03-18: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
2026-03-18: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
2026-03-16: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1115 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
2025-11-25: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.

Bill Versions

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (6 pages)
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (4 pages)
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (4 pages)
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act — issued 2025-11-25 — PDF (6 pages)