The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Bill today, but only after adding several controversial amendments approved along party lines.

Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation, said today:

“We are grateful that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the Sportsmen's Bill today and added several important conservation measures to it. However, the committee missed an opportunity to bolster the chances that this important legislation finally passes this year by allowing a few controversial amendments that reduced bipartisan support in the committee. This stands in stark contrast to the markup in Senate Natural Resources, which only added measures that increased bipartisan support and which passed unanimously.

“Fortunately, there is still an opportunity for senators to pass a bipartisan bill that provides urgently-needed investments in wildlife habitat, protects clean water, and expands opportunities for sportsmen. We urge Senators to come together across the aisle and work towards a strong bipartisan compromise that advances conservation and enhances our outdoor heritage.”