Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Vice Chairman Rob Wittman (R-Va.). This legislation will prohibit bans on lead ammunition and tackle use on federal lands or waters, except where supported by site-specific, population-level data, and where consistent with the laws and regulations of the state where the unit is located.

"Hunters and anglers shouldn't have to worry about red tape while enjoying the great outdoors. I want to thank Representative Wittman for leading this effort to protect the use of lead ammo and tackle on federal lands and waters, defending access to hunting and fishing opportunities for America's sportsmen and women that generate valuable conservation funding. Passing this legislation is a significant victory for species conservation and outdoor enthusiasts alike." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"As a lifelong hunter and recreational fisherman, I understand the importance of balancing conservation with preserving access for sportsmen. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 achieves that balance by ensuring future generations of hunters and anglers can continue to participate in these activities while promoting responsible stewardship. By preventing executive overreach in the future, this legislation is critical to preserving access for sportsmen and women who rely on traditional lead fishing tackle and ammunition, and it reinforces the use of sound science in decision-making. I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate." - Vice Chairman Wittman

Background

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act will prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water that is under their jurisdiction and made available for hunting or fishing activities, unless such a ban is backed up by site-specific data and done in coordination with state wildlife agencies. In addition, the Secretaries may not issue regulations regarding the lead content of ammunition or tackle to be used on federal lands or waters.

The Trump administration has increased access to hunting and fishing tackle on federal lands, including safeguards for the use of lead ammunition and tackle. This bill furthers those actions implemented in Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's Secretarial Order 3447.