The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, on Mar. 18. The bill, introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Vice Chairman Rob Wittman, aims to prohibit bans on lead ammunition and tackle use on federal lands or waters unless such restrictions are supported by site-specific, population-level data and align with state laws.
Supporters say the legislation is important for maintaining access to hunting and fishing opportunities while ensuring conservation funding continues. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman said, “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.”
Wittman also commented on the significance of the bill: “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.”
The act would prevent the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from banning lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water under their jurisdiction unless such action is based on specific scientific data developed in coordination with state wildlife agencies. It also restricts these departments from issuing regulations regarding lead content in ammunition or tackle used on federal properties.
According to background information provided with the announcement, previous actions during the Trump administration increased access to hunting and fishing gear—including protections for using lead products—on federal lands through measures like Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Secretarial Order 3447.
The next step will be consideration by the Senate.
