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The Biden administration continues to trample on the traditional values of the American people by blocking funding for school hunting and archery programs approved under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. This is yet another attack against the Second Amendment rights of American citizens by an administration that is openly hostile to gun owners.

The Education Department’s decision to cut off funding for school hunting and archery programs rests on its misguided interpretation of a provision in legislation passed last year, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which prohibits taxpayer funds from being used on “training in the use of a dangerous weapon.” This absurd interpretation of the law is nothing short of a betrayal of the American people who cherish their traditions of hunting and firearm ownership.

Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have voiced their concerns over the Education Department’s insidious interpretation of the BSCA, which contradicts congressional intent and the text of the law. They stated that the decision contradicts longstanding educational and enrichment programs that impart essential life skills, firearm safety, and self-esteem building for thousands of children.

The Education Department’s decision to cut funding for school hunting and archery programs has sparked outrage from shooting clubs and hunting industry groups, who raged against the government’s blatant attempt to rob young Americans of basic firearm and hunting safety education. Ben Cassidy, executive vice president of Safari Club International, pointed out that it is ironic that the U.S. Department of Education is actively denying young Americans the chance to educate themselves on firearm and hunting safety, so that they can keep themselves, their friends, and family safe.

However, this is not the only attack on the Second Amendment rights of American citizens by the Biden administration. Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Administration banned lead ammunition and tackle from eight national wildlife refuges, another blatant attempt to depress hunting and fishing on public lands. Republican Representative Bruce Westerman, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, has warned that the regulation would increase costs for sportsmen and women and ultimately decrease the number of individuals who can afford to enjoy the outdoors. Hunters and anglers are among the Americans with the greatest interest in conservation and contribute millions of dollars annually to conservation efforts.

The administration’s hostility towards gun ownership and hunting traditions is yet another example of their radical agenda and abuse of power. The National Rifle Association rightly points out that this is another example of an anti-gun, anti-hunting administration that is abusing an ambiguous law filled with undefined and overly broad provisions to push their agenda. We must stand up against this attack on our fundamental rights and fight to preserve the longstanding traditions and values of our nation.