EXPLORE Act: On Wednesday, January 17th, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a legislative hearing the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04) and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-03), works to expand access to federal lands for recreational use and was reported favorably out of committee via unanimous consent. SCI thanks Chairman Westerman, Ranking Member Grijalva, and the entire Committee for their work on this bill.
“SCI has long believed that increased access to federal lands for outdoor recreation, inclusive of hunting and angling, should always carry bi-partisan support. That is why SCI is excited to support the EXPLORE Act as introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04) and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-03).
In an age where outdoor sporting culture is increasingly under attack, SCI and our members are reassured when Congress can agree to make it easier for disabled hunters to go afield, improve and build public shooting ranges, and simply reduce barriers for America’s hunters and anglers to practice these great traditions on America’s public land.” -Ben Cassidy, Executive Vice President of International, Government and Public Affairs, Safari Club International
CR Update: On Saturday, January 20th, President Biden signed another Continuing Resolution that funds the federal government at last year’s spending levels depending on Agency through March 1st or March 8th. While this temporary measure avoids a government shutdown at the end of the month, Congress will still need to negotiate and pass a full spending bill this year. SCI continues to support the pro-hunting language in the House Interior Appropriations bill and will continue to work with lawmakers to see that language included in a full appropriations package.
