Federal Affairs
SCI is the only pro-hunting organization with an office in Washington, D.C. that has full-time policy experts, in-house legal counsel and on-staff dedicated to protecting hunting everywhere.
SCI monitors, evaluates and lobbies on federal legislation impacting hunting, hunters and wildlife conservation. SCI ensures that hunting interests are at the forefront when important bills come up by building relationships with Congressional leaders as well as staying current on the issues.
Each year in May, SCI hosts Lobby Day where SCI members from all around the country come to Washington, D.C. for personal meetings with Senators, Representatives and their staffs. During these important lobbying opportunities, SCI members share SCI’s positions on key pieces of legislation. These visits also provide SCI members with an opportunity to highlight the organization, its achievements and assets. SCI’s Washington, D.C. hunter advocacy staff provide federal legislators with information about SCI’s concerns and interests throughout the year.
On The Issues
Recent Federal Affairs Articles
Duck Hunt Bill Moves Through House Natural Resources Committee
The House Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved H.R. 6013, the Migratory Bird Framework & Hunting Opportunities for Veterans Act, which is sponsored by the committee’s chairman, Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT). The bill changes the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to establish January 31 of each year as the Federal closing date for duck
Read MoreDOI Recognizes State Authority Over Fish, Wildlife Management
Citing a 35-year old rule acknowledging the general comprehensive responsibility of States over fish and wildlife, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan ZInke signed a Memorandum to “reaffirm the authority of the States to exercise their broad trustee and police powers as stewards of the Nation’s fish and wildlife species on public lands and
Read MoreInterior Secretary Zinke Expands Hunting, Fishing Opportunities In National Wildlife Refuge System
In a continuing effort to increase access to public lands for recreational opportunities, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the opening of 251,000 acres to new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at 30 national wildlife refuges within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The number of refuges
Read MorePETA Shows No R.E.S.P.E.C.T. To Estate Of Aretha Franklin
In yet another “classy” move, People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals has barely let a week go by between the sad passing of music icon Aretha Franklin and the sending of a “condolences” note to her niece asking that her furs be donated to them. “Drunk on its own delusions of
Read MoreESA Changes Gain Traction In The Swamp
SCI has publicized its strong support for improvements to the Endangered Species Act recently proposed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Additionally, several local SCI chapters are backing a package of nine bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives offered by the Congressional Western Caucus. The caucus is chaired by Rep. Paul
Read MoreSCI Urges MT Members To Comment In Support Of Grizzly Bear Rule
A public comment period on the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) grizzly bear population administrative rule is open through Oct. 26, 2018. The objective of this administrative rule is continual occupancy by grizzly bears with a goal of maintaining a population of more than 800 bears with a minimum of 90 percent
Read More