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.
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Introduced in House
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.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.
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.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Introduced in House
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.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.
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.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
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.
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Introduced in House
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.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.
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.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Introduced in House
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.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.
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.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115.
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).