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Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

3/21/2026, 4:23 AM

Summary of Bill HR 556

Bill 119 hr 556, also known as the "Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act," aims to prevent the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on specific Federal land or water under their jurisdiction. The bill seeks to protect the rights of hunters, fishermen, and recreational shooters to continue using lead-based ammunition and tackle without interference from the government.

The bill highlights the importance of preserving traditional hunting and fishing practices, as well as the economic benefits these activities bring to local communities. It argues that banning lead ammunition and tackle would restrict access to public lands and waters, limiting opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Supporters of the bill argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence to justify a ban on lead ammunition and tackle, and that alternative materials may not be as effective or affordable. They believe that the decision to use lead-based products should be left to individual hunters and fishermen, rather than being mandated by the government. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that lead ammunition and tackle pose significant risks to wildlife and the environment, as lead poisoning can have detrimental effects on animals and ecosystems. They advocate for the use of non-toxic alternatives to protect wildlife and prevent contamination of water sources. Overall, Bill 119 hr 556 raises important questions about the balance between conservation efforts and the rights of outdoor enthusiasts. It will be interesting to see how this legislation progresses through Congress and whether it will ultimately be signed into law.

Congressional Summary of HR 556

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025

This bill bars the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Forest Service from prohibiting or regulating the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water. The bill makes exceptions for specified existing regulations and where the FWS, the BLM, or the Forest Service determines that a decline in wildlife population at the specific unit of federal land or water is primarily caused by the use of lead in ammunition or tackle, based on the field data from such unit, and the state approves the regulations.

Current Status of Bill HR 556

Bill HR 556 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since March 19, 2026. Bill HR 556 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 16, 2025.  Bill HR 556's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. as of March 19, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 556

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
401
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
401
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 556

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
- Hunting and fishing
- Land use and conservation
- Metals
- Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 556

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes.

Comments

Goldie Cole profile image

Goldie Cole

42,252

1 year ago

I don't like this bill, it's gonna mess things up for me and my friends who like to hunt and fish. Why are they making it harder for us to enjoy our hobbies? It's not fair. #notcool

Goldie Cole profile image

Goldie Cole

42,252

1 year ago

I'm so sad about this bill, it's just not fair. I think it's important to protect our rights to use lead ammunition and tackle on federal land. It's something that affects me personally and I hope it passes. #supportthebill

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Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 556) to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1958) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that aliens who have been convicted of defrauding the United States Government or the unlawful receipt of public benefits are inadmissible and deportable; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4638) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien who has been convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement is inadmissible and deportable, and for other purposes; and relating to consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
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