[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 12, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H8133-H8134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MODERNIZING THE PITTMAN-ROBERTSON FUND FOR TOMORROW'S NEEDS ACT
Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 2591) to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration
Act to modernize the funding of wildlife conservation, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2591
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Modernizing the Pittman-
Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The first section of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669) is amended by adding at the
end the following: ``One of the purposes of this Act is to
provide financial and technical assistance to the States for
the promotion of hunting and recreational shooting.''.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
Section 2 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act
(16 U.S.C. 669a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as
paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) for the purposes of determining the number of paid
hunting-license holders in a State, the term `fiscal year'
means the fiscal year or license year of the State;
``(3) the term `hunter recruitment and recreational shooter
recruitment' means any activity or project to recruit or
retain hunters and recreational shooters, including by--
``(A) using social media, marketing, advertising,
surveying, television spots, print, and media;
``(B) providing education, mentoring, and field
demonstrations;
``(C) enhancing access for hunting and recreational
shooting, including through range construction;
``(D) providing education to the public about the role of
hunting and recreational shooting in funding wildlife
conservation; and
``(E) using any other means to ensure the growth of hunting
and recreational shooting, as determined by the Secretary;''.
SEC. 4. ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT OF AVAILABLE AMOUNTS.
(a) Apportionment to States.--Section 4(b) of the Pittman-
Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669c(b)) is
amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary of
the Interior'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Such
apportionments'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Adjustments.--The apportionments under paragraph
(1)'';
(3) by striking the third sentence; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), amounts
apportioned under this subsection may be used for hunter
recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment.
``(B) Limitation.--A State may make an expenditure under
subparagraph (A) only if the amount of the expenditure during
the fiscal year in which the expenditure is made plus the
amount of the expenditures for hunter recruitment and
recreational shooter recruitment made during the 4 fiscal
years preceding that fiscal year is not greater than 25
percent of the total amount apportioned to the State under
this subsection during that 5-fiscal-year period.''.
(b) Apportionment of Certain Taxes.--The first subsection
(c) of section 4 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669c) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``Apportionment of Revenues From Pistols,
Revolvers, Bows, and Arrows.--'' after the enumerator;
(2) by striking ``One-half'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), \1/2\'';
(3) by striking ``: Provided, That'' and inserting a
period;
(4) by striking ``each State shall be apportioned not more
than 3 per centum and not less than 1 per centum of such
revenues'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Condition.--The amount apportioned to each State
under paragraph (1) shall be not greater than 3 percent and
not less than 1 percent of the revenues described in such
paragraph'';
(5) by striking ``For the purpose'' and inserting the
following:
``(3) Population determination.--For the purpose''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Use of funds.--In addition to other uses authorized
under this Act, amounts apportioned under this subsection may
be used for hunter recruitment and recreational shooter
recruitment.''.
(c) Technical Correction.--Section 4 of the Pittman-
Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669c) is
amended by redesignating the second subsection (c) and
subsection (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively.
SEC. 5. EXPENDITURES FOR MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE AREAS AND
RESOURCES.
Section 8 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act
(16 U.S.C. 669g) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the third sentence, by striking
``and public relations''; and
(2) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking
``, as a part of such program''.
SEC. 6. FIREARM AND BOW HUNTER EDUCATION AND SAFETY PROGRAM
GRANTS.
Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669h-1(a)(1)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) the enhancement of hunter recruitment and
recreational shooter recruitment; and''.
SEC. 7. MULTISTATE CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 11 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration
Act (16 U.S.C. 669h-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``Not more than'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Not more than''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Availability for hunter and recreational shooter
grants.--Not more than $5,000,000 of the revenues covered
into the fund from any tax imposed under section 4161(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for a fiscal year shall be
available to the Secretary exclusively for making hunter
recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment grants that
promote a national hunting and shooting sport recruitment
program, including related communication and outreach
activities.'';
(2) in the matter preceding subsection (b)(3)(A), by
striking ``International'';
(3) in the matter preceding subsection (c)(2)(A)(i), by
striking ``International'';
(4) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(i), by inserting ``or to
recreational shooting activities'' after ``wildlife''; and
(5) in subsection (d), by inserting ``or to recreational
shooting activities'' after ``wildlife''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Montana (Mr. Gianforte) and the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms.
Tsongas) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Montana.
General Leave
Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Montana?
There was no objection.
Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
H.R. 2591, introduced by Representative Austin Scott of Georgia, is a
bipartisan bill which I cosponsored that amends the Pittman-Robertson
Wildlife Restoration Act to modernize the funding for wildlife
conservation.
The Pittman-Robertson fund, which relies on excise tax fees paid by
hunters and recreational shooters, has been a driving force for
wildlife habitat preservation in the United States for nearly 80 years,
contributing over $10 billion in that time. The fund is also
responsible for important hunter education programs, as well as the
construction and maintenance of public shooting ranges.
The long-term viability of the Pittman-Robertson fund is at risk,
however, because of the diminishing number of hunters and recreational
shooters nationwide. Recent surveys have shown a decline of over 2
million hunters since 2011. This has largely been caused by growing
urbanization and suburbanization, which has made it more difficult for
Americans to participate in these activities.
This legislation will give States additional flexibility to use their
Pittman-Robertson dollars to fund programs to recruit, retain, and
reactivate hunters and target shooters. Empowering the States with this
added flexibility will help promote safe and responsible hunting and
shooting, while also ensuring this American system of wildlife
conservation funding remains strong into the future.
Congressman Scott should be commended for his work on this bipartisan
measure. I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of
my time.
Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this bill provides States with increased flexibility to
utilize
[[Page H8134]]
money provided by the Pittman-Robertson fund for expanding outreach in
hunter education initiatives.
The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, commonly known
as the Pittman-Robertson Act, authorizes an excise tax on hunting
equipment. The proceeds are used to support wildlife conservation and
restoration efforts.
Allowing some of the money for education and outreach initiatives has
the potential to increase participation in hunting and other
recreational activities that will expand the tax base and the total
pool of available money.
This program is our Nation's oldest and most successful wildlife
conservation initiative. In its over-80-year history, it has restored
habitat relied on by numerous species and even helped to bring some
populations back from the brink of extinction. This is an impressive
track record that the update included in this legislation is meant to
support.
The bill includes a 25 percent cap for education and recruitment
activities, a safeguard meant to ensure there is still plenty of money
available for wildlife conservation and restoration.
I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to ensure
that 25 percent is an appropriate safeguard that doesn't steer too much
money away from the traditional purpose of the fund.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott).
Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of
H.R. 2591, Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs
Act.
As a lifelong outdoorsman and current vice chairman of the
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I am honored to be here today to
discuss this bipartisan legislation.
If enacted, H.R. 2591 would provide national, broad-based support to
State fish and wildlife agencies to develop, guide, and enhance
collective efforts to recruit new hunters and sportsmen, all while
continuing to protect our Nation's natural resources.
Through a system of user pay, public benefits, Pittman-Robertson is
the foundation of wildlife conservation funding in the United States.
In the early 1900s, many wildlife species were beginning to dwindle
and disappear. To address this decline, State fish and wildlife
agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partnered with hunters
and conservationists to help draft and enact the Federal Aid in
Wildlife Restoration Act. Known today as the Pittman-Robertson Act,
this legislation became law in 1937.
Since it was first enacted, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife
Restoration Fund has collected over $11 billion from sportsmen and -
women to be used by States to fund wildlife conservation efforts,
habitat acquisition and management, public access to lands, hunter
education, and development of ranges affiliated with hunter safety
programs. These funds are collected from an excise tax on sporting
equipment, which is coupled with State funds from the sale of sporting
licenses.
Over the past century, States have spent these funds to restore game
and nongame species that were on the brink of endangerment and
extinction. Specifically, Pittman-Robertson funds have helped rebuild
white-tailed deer, turkey, duck, beaver, elk, osprey, and bald eagle
populations. Effectively, Pittman-Robertson creates a direct link
between those who hunt and participate in sportsmen activities and the
health of the resources needed to expand and enhance those
opportunities.
However, in recent years, the increasing urbanization and
suburbanization of our population has made it more difficult for the
public to participate in hunting and outdoor recreational activities.
{time} 1615
Correspondingly, the average age of Americans purchasing hunting
licenses and equipment is steadily rising as younger Americans are not
joining the sportsmen population.
This has a significant ripple effect, not only on the key Federal
funding models that support the conservation of fish and wildlife, but
also on the base of support for our public lands and on thoughtful
natural resource policy.
H.R. 2591 seeks to address this growing issue head-on.
Without any Federal mandate or any increase in existing user fees or
taxes, H.R. 2591 will preserve the current user-pay, public-benefit
funding of wildlife conservation for generations to come, while further
expanding flexibility of States to make decisions that are best fit for
them and the preservation of their natural resources.
Specifically, H.R. 2591 would clarify that a purpose of the Pittman-
Robertson funds is to extend public relations assistance to the States
for the promotion of hunting and sportsmen activities.
For the first time, State fish and wildlife agencies could use
Pittman-Robertson funds for proactive recruitment, including promotions
on television, in printed publications, and on social media;
educational field demonstrations to better teach the role that hunting
plays in wildlife conservation; as well as initiatives aimed at
enhancing access for hunting and range construction.
These modernizations are essential in addressing the issues currently
affecting Pittman-Robertson funds.
To ensure that traditional wildlife conservation remains the primary
focus of Pittman-Robertson, H.R. 2591 puts a maximum cap of 25 percent
on the percentage of Pittman-Robertson funds that can be used for
public relations by a State agency.
Moreover, H.R. 2591 would expand the Multistate Conservation Grant
Program by providing an additional $5 million per year from archery tax
collections to provide for hunters and recreational recruitment project
grants that promote a national recruitment program.
While this legislation provides the authority for the existing
Pittman-Robertson funds to be used on programs that will help ensure
participation in outdoor recreational sportsmen activities and secure a
funding base long into the future, it is important to note that H.R.
2591 does not mandate how PR funds must be spent.
The discretion to determine the amount, if any, of Wildlife
Restoration Funds spent on recruitment would remain entirely with each
individual State fish and wildlife agency.
Conservation organizations and State wildlife agencies alike have
long advocated for increased flexibility for Pittman-Robertson funds.
H.R. 2591 is supported by all 50 State fish and wildlife agencies as
well as a significant number of the Nation's leading sportsmen
conservation groups--just to list a few: the Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies, the Archery Trade Association, the Congressional
Sportsmen's Foundation, Conservation Force, Council to Advance Hunting
and Shooting Sports, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Izaak Walton
League, Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation, the Sportsmen's Alliance, the Theodore
Roosevelt Conservation Council, Wildlife Forever, the Wildlife and
Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, and the Wildlife Management
Institute.
Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 2591, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________