The U.S. House of Representatives built off the historic passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, and other conservation victories in the 116th Congress, by passing America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act (S. 3051), on a voice vote, making this Congress one of the most impactful for sportsmen and women in a lifetime.
The ACE Act, which was led by Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Members Senators John Barrasso and Tom Carper and cosponsored by CSC Leaders Senators Martin Heinrich and John Boozman, passed the Senate unanimously for the second time this Congress exactly two weeks ago. The near-universal support for the ACE Act is in large part due to the efforts of the bipartisan CSC as well as strong support from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). The ACE Act includes approximately a dozen provisions including a number of long-standing priorities for CSF such as:
- Reauthorizing the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) at $60 million annually for a period of 5 years;
- Prohibiting the EPA from regulating the use of lead fishing tackle for a period of 5 years;
- Establishing a task force within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to combat Chronic Wasting Disease;
- Congressionally authorizing the National Fish Habitat Partnership at $7.2 million annually for a period of 5 years;
- Reauthorizing the Chesapeake Bay Program starting at $90 million and increasing to $92 million over a 5-year period;
- Among others
"Passage of the ACE Act builds upon the already historic accomplishments achieved during the 116th Congress. Collectively, these policies will secure more access to public lands that hunters and anglers use most and benefit our nation's natural resources for generations to come," said CSF President Jeff Crane. "CSF commends CSC leaders for recognizing the priorities of sportsmen and women, the needs of fish and wildlife, and for remaining steadfast in their commitment to passing this legislation."
The ACE Act builds off of momentum generated earlier this Congress with the passage and enactment of the Dingell Act, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act, and most recently the historic Great American Outdoors Act.
CSF has been actively engaged in the enactment of significant pro-sporting conservation legislation throughout the 116th Congress by working with members of the CSC and partners in the community.
The ACE Act now heads to the President's desk and CSF is working to ensure this legislation is signed into law.