Legis Daily

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

USA119th CongressHR-556| House 
| Updated: 3/19/2026
Robert J. Wittman

Robert J. Wittman

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (83)
Sheri Biggs (Republican)Dusty Johnson (Republican)Paul A. Gosar (Republican)Chip Roy (Republican)Barry Moore (Republican)David Kustoff (Republican)Ryan K. Zinke (Republican)Elise M. Stefanik (Republican)John R. Carter (Republican)Ashley Hinson (Republican)Jeff Crank (Republican)Steve Womack (Republican)Gregory F. Murphy (Republican)Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican)Keith Self (Republican)Glenn Thompson (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican)Beth Van Duyne (Republican)Aaron Bean (Republican)Tom McClintock (Republican)Pete Sessions (Republican)Andy Biggs (Republican)Tim Walberg (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Jeff Hurd (Republican)Ken Calvert (Republican)Michael A. Rulli (Republican)Dan Newhouse (Republican)Ronny Jackson (Republican)Pat Fallon (Republican)Ann Wagner (Republican)Mike D. Rogers (Republican)Richard Hudson (Republican)Roger Williams (Republican)Brad Finstad (Republican)Tony Wied (Republican)Glenn Grothman (Republican)Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican)Ron Estes (Republican)Troy E. Nehls (Republican)W. Gregory Steube (Republican)John R. Moolenaar (Republican)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Mark B. Messmer (Republican)Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican)Austin Scott (Republican)Scott Fitzgerald (Republican)Daniel Webster (Republican)Harriet M. Hageman (Republican)August Pfluger (Republican)Lauren Boebert (Republican)Byron Donalds (Republican)Pat Harrigan (Republican)Julia Letlow (Republican)Troy Downing (Republican)Gabe Evans (Republican)Abraham J. Hamadeh (Republican)Mike Bost (Republican)Russell Fry (Republican)Scott DesJarlais (Republican)Pete Stauber (Republican)Addison P. McDowell (Republican)Dan Crenshaw (Republican)Max L. Miller (Republican)Robert E. Latta (Republican)John J. McGuire (Republican)Burgess Owens (Republican)Randy K. Sr. Weber (Republican)Monica De La Cruz (Republican)Ben Cline (Republican)Chuck Edwards (Republican)Russ Fulcher (Republican)Mark Harris (Republican)Ralph Norman (Republican)Jack Bergman (Republican)Tracey Mann (Republican)Michelle Fischbach (Republican)Troy Balderson (Republican)Jennifer A. Kiggans (Republican)Brian Babin (Republican)Tim Moore (Republican)Michael Guest (Republican)

Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee, Environment and Public Works Committee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to restrict federal authority over hunting and fishing equipment by generally prohibiting the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle. This restriction applies to federal lands and waters under their jurisdiction that are made available for hunting or fishing activities. Furthermore, it prevents these Secretaries from issuing new regulations specifically concerning the level of lead in ammunition or tackle used in these areas, intending to maintain current access for recreational users. An important exception to this general prohibition exists for specific, localized areas. A prohibition or regulation on lead use may be implemented if the relevant Secretary determines that a decline in wildlife population at that specific unit of federal land or water is primarily caused by the use of lead, based on field data from that unit. Additionally, any such localized restriction must be consistent with State law , an applicable policy of the State's fish and wildlife department, or explicitly approved by that State department. The bill requires a Federal Register notice to explain how any such prohibition meets these specific requirements.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
4 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9088
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-615
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 16, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 12, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-537
Introduced in Senate
Feb 20, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Jul 15, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.
Jul 15, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Nov 25, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.
Nov 25, 2025
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Nov 25, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.
Mar 16, 2026
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.
Mar 18, 2026
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
Mar 18, 2026
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.
Mar 18, 2026
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.
Mar 18, 2026
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
Mar 18, 2026
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mar 18, 2026
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Mar 18, 2026
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
Mar 18, 2026
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Mar 18, 2026
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.
Mar 18, 2026
Considered as unfinished business.
Mar 18, 2026
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
Mar 18, 2026
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
View Vote
Mar 18, 2026
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576)
View Vote
Mar 18, 2026
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 19, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9088
    Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-615
    Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023


  • January 16, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 16, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • February 12, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-537
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 20, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.


  • July 15, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.


  • July 15, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • November 25, 2025
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.


  • November 25, 2025
    Committee on Agriculture discharged.


  • November 25, 2025
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.


  • March 16, 2026
    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.


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.


  • March 18, 2026
    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.


  • March 18, 2026
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.


  • March 18, 2026
    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.


  • March 18, 2026
    Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.


  • March 18, 2026
    Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)


  • March 18, 2026
    The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.


  • March 18, 2026
    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.


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business.


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)


  • March 18, 2026
    On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
    View Vote


  • March 18, 2026
    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576)
    View Vote


  • March 18, 2026
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • March 19, 2026
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • HRES 119-1115: 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.
  • S 119-537: Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
Hazardous wastes and toxic substancesHunting and fishingLand use and conservationMetalsWildlife conservation and habitat protection

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

USA119th CongressHR-556| House 
| Updated: 3/19/2026
This bill aims to restrict federal authority over hunting and fishing equipment by generally prohibiting the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle. This restriction applies to federal lands and waters under their jurisdiction that are made available for hunting or fishing activities. Furthermore, it prevents these Secretaries from issuing new regulations specifically concerning the level of lead in ammunition or tackle used in these areas, intending to maintain current access for recreational users. An important exception to this general prohibition exists for specific, localized areas. A prohibition or regulation on lead use may be implemented if the relevant Secretary determines that a decline in wildlife population at that specific unit of federal land or water is primarily caused by the use of lead, based on field data from that unit. Additionally, any such localized restriction must be consistent with State law , an applicable policy of the State's fish and wildlife department, or explicitly approved by that State department. The bill requires a Federal Register notice to explain how any such prohibition meets these specific requirements.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
4 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9088
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-615
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 16, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 12, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-537
Introduced in Senate
Feb 20, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Jul 15, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.
Jul 15, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Nov 25, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.
Nov 25, 2025
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Nov 25, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.
Mar 16, 2026
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.
Mar 18, 2026
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
Mar 18, 2026
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.
Mar 18, 2026
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.
Mar 18, 2026
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
Mar 18, 2026
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mar 18, 2026
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Mar 18, 2026
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
Mar 18, 2026
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Mar 18, 2026
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.
Mar 18, 2026
Considered as unfinished business.
Mar 18, 2026
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
Mar 18, 2026
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
View Vote
Mar 18, 2026
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576)
View Vote
Mar 18, 2026
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 19, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9088
    Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-615
    Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023


  • January 16, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 16, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • February 12, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-537
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 20, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.


  • July 15, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.


  • July 15, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • November 25, 2025
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.


  • November 25, 2025
    Committee on Agriculture discharged.


  • November 25, 2025
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.


  • March 16, 2026
    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.


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.


  • March 18, 2026
    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.


  • March 18, 2026
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.


  • March 18, 2026
    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.


  • March 18, 2026
    Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.


  • March 18, 2026
    Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)


  • March 18, 2026
    The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.


  • March 18, 2026
    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.


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business.


  • March 18, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)


  • March 18, 2026
    On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
    View Vote


  • March 18, 2026
    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576)
    View Vote


  • March 18, 2026
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • March 19, 2026
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Robert J. Wittman

Robert J. Wittman

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (83)
Sheri Biggs (Republican)Dusty Johnson (Republican)Paul A. Gosar (Republican)Chip Roy (Republican)Barry Moore (Republican)David Kustoff (Republican)Ryan K. Zinke (Republican)Elise M. Stefanik (Republican)John R. Carter (Republican)Ashley Hinson (Republican)Jeff Crank (Republican)Steve Womack (Republican)Gregory F. Murphy (Republican)Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican)Keith Self (Republican)Glenn Thompson (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican)Beth Van Duyne (Republican)Aaron Bean (Republican)Tom McClintock (Republican)Pete Sessions (Republican)Andy Biggs (Republican)Tim Walberg (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Jeff Hurd (Republican)Ken Calvert (Republican)Michael A. Rulli (Republican)Dan Newhouse (Republican)Ronny Jackson (Republican)Pat Fallon (Republican)Ann Wagner (Republican)Mike D. Rogers (Republican)Richard Hudson (Republican)Roger Williams (Republican)Brad Finstad (Republican)Tony Wied (Republican)Glenn Grothman (Republican)Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican)Ron Estes (Republican)Troy E. Nehls (Republican)W. Gregory Steube (Republican)John R. Moolenaar (Republican)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Mark B. Messmer (Republican)Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican)Austin Scott (Republican)Scott Fitzgerald (Republican)Daniel Webster (Republican)Harriet M. Hageman (Republican)August Pfluger (Republican)Lauren Boebert (Republican)Byron Donalds (Republican)Pat Harrigan (Republican)Julia Letlow (Republican)Troy Downing (Republican)Gabe Evans (Republican)Abraham J. Hamadeh (Republican)Mike Bost (Republican)Russell Fry (Republican)Scott DesJarlais (Republican)Pete Stauber (Republican)Addison P. McDowell (Republican)Dan Crenshaw (Republican)Max L. Miller (Republican)Robert E. Latta (Republican)John J. McGuire (Republican)Burgess Owens (Republican)Randy K. Sr. Weber (Republican)Monica De La Cruz (Republican)Ben Cline (Republican)Chuck Edwards (Republican)Russ Fulcher (Republican)Mark Harris (Republican)Ralph Norman (Republican)Jack Bergman (Republican)Tracey Mann (Republican)Michelle Fischbach (Republican)Troy Balderson (Republican)Jennifer A. Kiggans (Republican)Brian Babin (Republican)Tim Moore (Republican)Michael Guest (Republican)

Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee, Environment and Public Works Committee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • HRES 119-1115: 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.
  • S 119-537: Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Hazardous wastes and toxic substancesHunting and fishingLand use and conservationMetalsWildlife conservation and habitat protection