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Community => Advocacy, Agencies, Access => Topic started by: huntrights on November 09, 2012, 10:19:16 AM


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Title: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 09, 2012, 10:19:16 AM
ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED

Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote

Please contact your Senators ASAP.  Follow the link and click on the "Contact Your Senators" button; it only takes a few minutes of your time to help save our hunting heritage.  It doesn't get easier than this.

http://www.nssfblog.com/sportsmens-act-will-soon-face-a-vote/




"As the 112th Congress begins its post-election session, NSSF encourages all firearms owners, hunters and sportsmen to call or email their U.S. senators and urge them to vote YES on the Sportsmen’s Act (S. 3525), the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation. An early vote has been cleared procedurally, so act now.

This historic legislation includes the firearms industry’s top legislative priority, the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S. 838) that would clarify that ammunition is excluded from regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Anti-hunting groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity are suing the EPA to force a ban on traditional ammunition made with lead components that would devastate hunting and shooting sports participation, drive up ammunition prices by almost 200 percent on average and dry up conservation funding.

No less than 46 of the nation’s leading sportsmen and conservation groups including the NRA, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Boone and Crockett Club are championing S. 3525. This bipartisan legislation is strongly supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

The Sportsmen’s Act is a package of 19 separate bills — the majority of sportsmen’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill. (See below for an overview of the components of the bill.) A similar package of bills–the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 (H.R. 4089)–was passed by the House in the spring by a bipartisan vote of 276 to 146. Passage of this pro-sportsmen’s legislation will promote, protect and preserve our nation’s hunting, shooting and conservation heritage for generations to come.

Our voices must be heard! As you read this, anti-hunting forces are working to defeat S. 3525. So act now, call your U.S. Senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to vote YES for the bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.

Sportsmen’s Priorities in the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012

    The Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act: Specifically excludes ammunition and fishing tackle from the Toxic Substances Control Act, preventing unnecessary regulations that could devastate hunting, shooting, conservation funding and the firearm and ammunition industries.

    Making Public Lands Public: Requires that the 1.5 percent of annual Land and Water Conservation Fund funding is made available to secure public access to federal public land for hunting, fishing and other recreational purposes.

    Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act: Makes Pittman-Robertson funds available to states for a longer period of time for the creation and maintenance of shooting ranges. The bill encourages federal land agencies to cooperate with state and local authorities to maintain shooting ranges and limits liability for these agencies.

Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your senators to SUPPORT the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012."





Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 09, 2012, 10:54:08 AM
You beat me to it, Jim! :tup:
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Maverick on November 09, 2012, 10:57:36 AM
Done!
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 13, 2012, 10:39:22 AM


ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED

Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote

Please contact your Senators ASAP.  Follow the link and click on the "Contact Your Senators" button; it only takes a few minutes of your time to help save our hunting heritage.  It doesn't get easier than this.

http://www.nssfblog.com/sportsmens-act-will-soon-face-a-vote/



Please take action today!

Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Maverick on November 13, 2012, 09:40:04 PM
Anyone else get an email response from the senator?
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 14, 2012, 03:02:35 PM
Anyone else get an email response from the senator?

Yes.  The message seemed to indicate she (Cantwell) is not going to support the bill because she has "some concerns".  Here is the critical part of her message that concerns me:

"... Because the Sportsmen's Act includes a number of significant conservation and public land measures, I voted for the motion to proceed to the bill. However, I have some concerns about a few of the provisions in the current version of the bill and will push for improvements to the legislation through the amendment process when the Senate takes it up again.  Those troubling provisions include amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the Department of Interior to issue one-time permits to import polar bear parts from Canada if it can be proved it was acquired during an approved sport hunt in Canada prior to when Polar Bears were listed as an endangered species.  S. 3525 also amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to exclude any firearm, bullet components, or sport fishing equipment from the definition of "chemical substance."  While this provision is troubling, to date ammunition has only been regulated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife and this bill does not preclude the continuation of their regulations or those of states and localities. ..."

I have already called her office in Washington, D.C. today and asked that she vote yes on this bill; I would strongly urge all who read this message to do the same.  I believe they are going to vote on it tomorrow.


Message from NSSF:

URGENT: Take Action Now!

Keep Pressure on to Pass Sportsmen's Act; Vote is Set for Late This Week, Call Your U.S. Senators

U.S. Capitol Swithboard: 202-224-3121


We have some great news! By an overwhelming 92-5 vote, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed an important procedural motion that will allow senators to vote on the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525) currently scheduled for this Thursday, but that could slip to Friday.

NSSF thanks everyone who called and emailed your senators to help make this upcoming vote possible. Now we need all hunters, target shooters and firearms owners to keep the pressure on. Call your senators again and urge them to vote YES on the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525), the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation.
While we believe phone calls are most effective at this late stage in the process, you may also send a quick e-mail using the link provided on this page. In either case, your involvement will take only minutes. If this is your first opportunity to weigh in, the timing could not be better. Act today.
This historic legislation includes the firearms industry's top legislative priority, the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S.838) that would clarify that ammunition is excluded from regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Anti-hunting groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity are suing the EPA to force a ban on traditional ammunition made with lead components that would devastate hunting and shooting sports participation, drive up ammunition prices by almost 200 percent on average and dry up conservation funding.
No less than 46 of the nation's leading sportsmen and conservation groups including NRA, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, American Sportfishing Association, International Game Fish Association, Center for Coastal Conservation, and Boone and Crockett Club are championing S.3525. This bipartisan legislation is strongly supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
The Sportsmen's Act of 2012 is a package of 19 separate bills -- the majority of sportsmen's legislative priorities on Capitol Hill. (See below for an overview of the components of the bill.) A similar package of bills--the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 (H.R.4089)--was passed by the House in the spring by a bipartisan vote of 276 to 146. Passage of this pro-sportsmen's legislation will promote, protect and preserve our nation's hunting, shooting and conservation heritage for generations to come.
Your voice must be heard! As you read this, anti-hunting forces are working to defeat S. 3525. So act now, call your U.S. senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to vote YES for the bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2012.
Sportsmen's Priorities in the Sportsmen's Act of 2012
The Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act: Specifically excludes ammunition and fishing tackle from the Toxic Substances Control Act, preventing unnecessary regulations that could devastate hunting, shooting, conservation funding and the firearm and ammunition industries.
Making Public Lands Public: Requires that the 1.5 percent of annual Land and Water Conservation Fund funding is made available to secure public access to federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.
Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act: Makes Pittman-Robertson funds available to states for a longer period of time for the creation and maintenance of shooting ranges. The bill encourages federal land agencies to cooperate with state and local authorities to maintain shooting ranges and limits liability for these agencies.
 
Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your senators to SUPPORT the Sportsmen's Act of 2012. To send an email or a letter to your U.S. senators click here.

http://capwiz.com/nssf/issues/alert/?alertid=61457656

Find complete contact information for your elected officials here.

http://capwiz.com/nssf/dbq/officials/



 
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 19, 2012, 03:37:35 PM

The Senate Puts Off Sportsmen’s Act Vote Until Monday After Thanksgiving. Stay Tuned!

http://www.nssfblog.com/the-senate-puts-off-sportsmens-act-vote-until-monday-after-thanksgiving-stay-tuned/


"November 16, 2012 By NSSF Alert

The Senate on Thursday was unable to unanimously agree to waive certain procedural rules to allow a vote on the widely supported, bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S. 3525), the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation.

It was on late Thursday afternoon, we learned that the expected vote on the Sportsmen’s Act would not take place this week. The Senate is not in session today, but is now expected to vote on S.3525 on Nov. 26 after Senators return from the Thanksgiving recess and after one more procedural vote.

We remain optimistic that with continued support from hunters, target shooters, gun owners and sportsmen the bill will get a vote on Monday, Nov. 26 and pass the Senate by a large bipartisan margin.

All your phone calls and emails this week did make a difference and are appreciated. We thank you for your involvement. We will need you again. Be ready on Nov. 26 to call your U.S. senators to ask them to vote YES on the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012, S.3525. We will update you when we have more information."

Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 22, 2012, 10:19:58 AM
Be ready to call your U.S. Senators again on Monday, November 26th.  Please help get the word out to your sportsmen family, friends, and colleagues.  This is a national Bill, so we need to get the word out nationally.  Passage of the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S.3525) is important to all of us.  Thanks.

11-22-12 message from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF):


"Sportsmen's Act Vote Expected Monday, Nov. 26.
Be Ready to Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121


The U.S. Senate last week was unable to agree to waive certain procedural rules to allow a vote on the widely supported, bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525). That vote is now expected on Nov. 26 after senators return from the Thanksgiving recess and following one more procedural vote. S.3525 is the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation and is supported by some 46 pro-sporting organizations. NSSF remains optimistic that with continued support from hunters, target shooters, gun owners and sportsmen the bill will get a vote on Monday, Nov. 26, and pass the Senate by a large bipartisan margin. Be ready on Nov. 26 to call your U.S. senators to ask them to vote YES on the Sportsmen's Act of 2012, S.3525."


http://www.nssfblog.com/the-senate-puts-off-sportsmens-act-vote-until-monday-after-thanksgiving-stay-tuned/



Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: csaaphill on November 24, 2012, 06:37:41 AM
Done Did
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 25, 2012, 11:21:20 AM
THIS IS IT! Take Action Now!

Please take the few extremely important minutes to call your U.S. Senators tomorrow morning (Nov. 26, 2012), and pass this on to ALL of your sportsmen family, friends, and colleagues.  We must keep the pressure up to ensure the passage of this Bill.

All hunters, target shooters and firearms owners should call your U.S. Senators on Monday and urge them to vote YES on the Sportsmen's Act (S.3525), the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation.

Call your U.S. Senators 202-224-3121

All you need to do is call the number, ask to be connected to your Senator’s office.

Here is what you can tell the person that answers:


     My name is (your name)

     I’m calling from (your city and state)

     Please ask the Senator to vote YES on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.

That’s all you have to do.  It’s fast, it’s easy, and it will benefit you and every sportsman in this country.

Please take this very important action and pass this on.

The Sportsmen's Act of 2012
FINAL VOTE EXPECTED MONDAY


Call your U.S. Senators 202-224-3121

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote the afternoon of MONDAY, Nov. 26, on the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525).

All hunters, target shooters and firearms owners should call your senators on Monday and urge them to vote YES on the Sportsmen's Act (S.3525), the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation.

Do not be confused by the mistaken information put out by one national gun owners organization. S.3525 does not override current laws and thereby enable the seizure of privately-held land.

This historic legislation includes the firearms industry's top legislative priority, the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S. 838) that would clarify that ammunition is excluded from regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Anti-hunting groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity are suing the EPA to force a ban on traditional ammunition (http://www.nssf.org/factsheets/PDF/TraditionalAmmo.pdf) made with lead components that would devastate hunting and shooting sports participation, drive up ammunition prices by almost 200 percent on average and dry up conservation funding.

No less than 46 of the nation's leading sportsmen and conservation groups (http://www.nssf.org/share/PDF/AWCP_letter_reTY_SportsmenPackageVote_1-1-12.pdf)
 including NRA, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, American Sportfishing Association, International Game Fish Association, Center for Coastal Conservation, and Boone and Crockett Club are championing S.3525. This bipartisan legislation is strongly supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

A similar package of bills--the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 (H.R. 4089)--was passed by the House in the spring by a bipartisan vote of 276 to 146. Passage of this pro-sportsmen's legislation will promote, protect and preserve our nation's hunting, shooting and conservation heritage for generations to come.

Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your senators to SUPPORT the Sportsmen's Act of 2012. Find complete contact information for your elected officials here.

http://capwiz.com/nssf/dbq/officials/

Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: washelkhunter on November 25, 2012, 11:29:00 AM
I'll never contact murray or cantwell about anything again. They will vote with the tree huggers regardless.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 25, 2012, 11:52:45 AM
I'll never contact murray or cantwell about anything again. They will vote with the tree huggers regardless.

If you don't keep the pressure up, they will do what ever they want to.  Giving up is not the answer.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 25, 2012, 11:56:47 AM
I'll never contact murray or cantwell about anything again. They will vote with the tree huggers regardless.

If you don't keep the pressure up, they will do what ever they want to.  Giving up is not the answer.
Those two waste of votes already have all the votes, they do what they want. And that is tree hugging .
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 25, 2012, 12:15:28 PM
I'll never contact murray or cantwell about anything again. They will vote with the tree huggers regardless.

If you don't keep the pressure up, they will do what ever they want to.  Giving up is not the answer.
Those two waste of votes already have all the votes, they do what they want. And that is tree hugging .


I would like to make it very clear to ALL who cherish the rights and freedoms we have.  Each individual does make a difference.  

This legislation is bipartisan and has a very good chance of passing if we continue to push for it.

Words not spoken or written are words not heard or read.

Let them know you want this Bill to pass!

All of us must never give up or back down!


Please call your U.S. Senators tomorrow morning (11/26/12).
 
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 26, 2012, 08:32:26 AM
Call your U.S. Senators 202-224-3121

Call the number.

Ask to be connected to your Senator’s office.


Here is what you can tell the person that answers:


     My name is (your name)

     I’m calling from (your city and state; they may ask for your zip code)

     Please ask the Senator to vote YES on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.


That’s all you have to do.  It’s fast, it’s easy, and it will benefit you and every sportsman in this country.  It takes about 3 minutes to call two senators.  Leave a message if you get their recording.

Please take this very important action and pass this on.

The Sportsmen's Act of 2012
FINAL VOTE EXPECTED TODAY (11/26/12)


Please let your voice be heard!

Let them know you want this Bill to pass!
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 26, 2012, 08:35:10 AM
Call 'em, boys and girls. Ask them for their stance on the bill and request you be emailed with their decision. Don't expect much out of Cant-do-well and the Grandmother in Crocks.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 27, 2012, 08:27:15 PM


http://www.nssf.org/bulletpoints/current.cfm

November 27, 2012
"NSSF Pledges to Continue Work on Sportsmen's Act

The National Shooting Sports Foundation today expressed disappointment with the results of last evening's procedural vote in the U.S. Senate that has delayed action on the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525), but pledged to continue working in a bipartisan fashion, along with a coalition of more than 45 other leading sportsmen's and conservation groups, to advance the historic package of bills before the adjournment of the 112th Congress.

"It is clear there is broad bipartisan support for the policies contained in the Sportsmen's Act, which contains our industry's top legislative priorities" said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. "While we are disappointed by Monday's procedural vote, we will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to address budgetary concerns raised by senators in time to ensure a vote on the Sportsmen's Act before the end of the lame-duck session.""


Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: csaaphill on November 28, 2012, 12:43:52 AM
did this fail as posted on a diff thread?
ya murray and cantwell are a waste of time. Only Cantwell actually wrote me back after my contact. From some of her words it sounds like she may have voted no or abstained.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: blackdog on November 28, 2012, 08:06:13 AM
http://www.agri-pulse.com/Sportsmens-act-fails-senate-11272012.asp (http://www.agri-pulse.com/Sportsmens-act-fails-senate-11272012.asp)
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Bob33 on November 28, 2012, 08:12:36 AM
The procedural vote went down party lines almost one for one. The procedure vote was not on the bill itself, but rather whether budgetary disciplines should be ignored. The bill as written ignores the Budget Control act.

It's not over.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 28, 2012, 08:42:21 AM
The procedural vote went down party lines almost one for one. The procedure vote was not on the bill itself, but rather whether budgetary disciplines should be ignored. The bill as written ignores the Budget Control act.

It's not over.

I don't believe this is true. Both Dem and Reps voted on both sides of this bill. It fell because it didn't include its own funding, like an added .5% to PR excise, for example. I believe you're correct about it not being over, Bob. I think once sportsmen recognize that they have the support if they provide the funding, the bill will pass and be signed into law.

The failure of the sponsors and writers of this bill to address the funding issue is glaring, indeed. Especially considering that a majority of the backers, although not an astounding majority, are conservatives. We can not be conservative only on those issues that we choose. We must be conservative across the board and reduce the size of government or else find a way to pay. I think this is a victory for the ethics of conservatism and maybe a temporary, minor setback for sportsmen as a whole.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Bob33 on November 28, 2012, 08:50:38 AM
The procedural vote went down party lines almost one for one. The procedure vote was not on the bill itself, but rather whether budgetary disciplines should be ignored. The bill as written ignores the Budget Control act.

It's not over.

I don't believe this is true. Both Dem and Reps voted on both sides of this bill. It fell because it didn't include its own funding, like an added .5% to PR excise, for example. I believe you're correct about it not being over, Bob. I think once sportsmen recognize that they have the support if they provide the funding, the bill will pass and be signed into law.

The failure of the sponsors and writers of this bill to address the funding issue is glaring, indeed. Especially considering that a majority of the backers, although not an astounding majority, are conservatives. We can not be conservative only on those issues that we choose. We must be conservative across the board and reduce the size of government or else find a way to pay. I think this is a victory for the ethics of conservatism and maybe a temporary, minor setback for sportsmen as a whole.
The motion vote was 47 Democrats and 1 Republican YEA, and 43 Republicans 1 Democrat NAY (6 Not Present.)

If you don't consider that a party line vote, I'm not sure what qualifies.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/112-2012/s204 (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/112-2012/s204)
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 28, 2012, 09:02:43 AM
Thank you for that information, Bob. In that case, I have to agree with the one R and the 47 Ds. I probably have a different reason than the Ds for turning against it. I think the R Senator from AL has some mighty high ethics to vote against his party for the right reasons. My  :twocents:
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Bob33 on November 28, 2012, 09:08:57 AM
It was a procedural vote, not a vote on the bill itself. I hope and expect the bill will ultimately be enacted.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 28, 2012, 10:32:50 AM
It was a procedural vote, not a vote on the bill itself. I hope and expect the bill will ultimately be enacted.

I agree. With it properly funded, it should pass.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Bob33 on November 28, 2012, 10:52:34 AM
I think the Democrats played a smart move on this. They introduced an amendment to eliminate budgetary constraints on the bill. That forced the Republicans to either oppose the amendment and look like they oppose the bill in its entirety (and we can see how that's being received on this forum), or they could accept the amendment and look hypocritical for talking fiscal responsibility on one hand and then approving this lifting of budgetary constraint.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: SCRUBS on November 28, 2012, 06:39:02 PM
This is the reply I received from Jaime Herrara ( I didn`t request a reply). I received no replies from Cantwell or Murray (again I didn`t request one either).
 

Thank you for writing me regarding S. 3525, The Sportsmen's Act.  It is an honor to represent the people of Southwest Washington, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
 
 

The Sportsmen's Act you mentioned was before the Senate and failed to pass by vote.  However you may like to know, this last April, I voted for, and the House passed,  The Sportsmen's Heritage Act ( HR 4089). This bill is aimed at putting vital protections on hunting, fishing, and shooting activities by combining multiple other pieces of legislation, including: 

 

The Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act-  Directs Federal land management agencies to expand and enhance hunting, shooting, and fishing activities on Federal land. It also establishes an "Open until Closed" policy for lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Forest Service (USFS), which means that public lands under these agencies is open for those specific recreational activities unless specific, targeted closures are necessitated by sound facts and evidence.

 

The Recreational Shooting Protection Act - This act requires congressional approval for any regulation to limit shooting on national monument lands by BLM. It also encourages BLM to act in a way that supports recreational shooting on the land they manage.

 

HR 1558, an Amendment to the Toxic Substance Control Act - This amendment protects traditional ammunition and fishing tackle from regulations imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A petition presented to the EPA has asked for a ban on all lead ammunition and tackle. Yet there are currently no scientific studies demonstrating adverse effects on wildlife populations. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated these items present no threat to human health.

 

The Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act - This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to simply allow for importation permits to be issued for polar bear trophies that were taken  before the polar bear was listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Currently, many who legally hunted polar bears in Canada prior to their listing as an endangered species are prohibited from bringing parts of those bears back into the US. 

 

Going forward, I am committed to protecting the rights of Sportsmen and others who wish to responsibly enjoy our public lands.  The Sportsmen's Heritage Act will clarify Congress' intent to federal land management agencies and protect sportsmen from future burdensome regulations that government bureaucracies may impose. I am proud to support this legislation and will continue to work on behalf of Sportsmen's rights. 

 

Thank you again for contacting me on this important issue.  I invite you to visit my website at www.JaimeHB.house.gov (http://www.JaimeHB.house.gov) for additional information or to sign up to be kept up to date on these issues.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance.
 

Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: Bob33 on November 28, 2012, 06:53:06 PM
I received no replies from Cantwell or Murray (again I didn`t request one either).

We can speculate. ;)

Murray urges passage of Sportsmen’s Bill, Calls on Republicans to Follow Rhetoric with Real Proposals

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Wednesday, November 28th, U.S. Senator Patty Murray delivered a speech on the Senate floor to call on her colleagues to pass Senate Bill 3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. The bill would enact a series of measures designed to ease restrictions on hunters and sportspeople throughout the United States.

“I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues have chosen to ignore an overwhelming number of Americans who support the reasonable, common sense proposals in this bill. Because Democrats are strongly in favor of passage, we will continue to fight for the hard working gun owners, hunters, and sportspeople in our country, and ask the Republicans to do the same. Unfortunately, Republicans have once again chosen to pander to the wealthiest Americans and right wing supporters including Bain Capital, Mitt Romney, George Bush, and Sarah Palin in an effort to divide our country.”
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 30, 2012, 07:32:08 AM
No less than 46 of the nation’s leading sportsmen and conservation groups that represent us are asking that we continue to push for this bill.   Please don’t allow this Bill to become a political football.  If we don’t push for support of this Bill, we are hurting ourselves.  These organizations do far more research into these things than we can do as individuals; trust them.

Latest message from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF):

http://nssf.org/govrel/

Call Your U.S. Senators to Keep Sportsmen's Act Alive!

Urge your senators to continue their bipartisan work and get the bill passed before the end of the 112th Congress.

The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S.3525) still can be enacted in this Congress if we keep the pressure on. Call your senators today and urge them to work in a bipartisan manner to resolve budgetary concerns raised on Monday so the Sportsmen’s Act can be brought back to the floor for a vote on final passage. There are ongoing negotiations but time is running short. Tell your senators to compromise and reach a bipartisan agreement now. Learn More (http://www.nssfblog.com/sportsmens-act-will-soon-face-a-vote/ (http://www.nssfblog.com/sportsmens-act-will-soon-face-a-vote/)).
Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your senators to continue their bipartisan work on The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Let’s get the bill passed before the end of the 112th Congress. Find complete contact information for your elected officials here (http://capwiz.com/nssf/dbq/officials/).


Latest message from Keep America Fishing:

http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/o/6394/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4086

Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 still alive in the U.S. Senate

Procedural Senate Motion Momentarily Stops Sportsmen's Act of 2012

Senators Tester (D-Mont.) and Sessions (R-Ala.) are working hard to resolve the budget point of order differences. When this compromise is reached the bill will again go to the Senate floor for a vote.
This is the largest sportsmen’s package in a generation; please send your Senator(s) a message to support this bill.


On November 26 in a surprise upset, the U.S. Senate failed to advance the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S. 3525). After months of discussion with Senate members by a diverse coalition of angling, hunting and conservation organizations to create a historic bill containing 17 key provisions for anglers, hunters and fish and wildlife conservation, the bill failed to pass over a party line vote on a procedural motion.

The bill ran into trouble when a point of order was raised about whether the bill violated a 2011 budget agreement and a motion to waive the point of order failed by 10 votes. Budget related disputes are not uncommon when large pieces of legislation come to the Senate floor. It is however very uncommon for a budget point of order challenging a provision that would modestly increase revenues to sink a bill. Six senators were not present and the vote on the procedural motion to waive the point of order fell along party lines with the exception of two senators. To see how your Senator voted, please visit the voting results (http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/o/6394/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=8764).

Background

Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.), along with fourteen co-sponsors, introduced the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 on September 10. Individual bills of particular importance to the sportfishing community in the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 include:

The Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S. 838) (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s838is/pdf/BILLS-112s838is.pdf) – Blocks ongoing attempts to federally ban lead in recreational fishing equipment and ammunition by amending the Toxic Substances Control Act.

National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (S. 1201) (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s1201rs/pdf/BILLS-112s1201rs.pdf (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s1201rs/pdf/BILLS-112s1201rs.pdf)) – Authorizes the National Fish Habitat Partnership, the most comprehensive effort ever attempted to conserve, restore and enhance fish habitat on a range-wide scale.

Making Public Lands Public Act (S. 901) (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s901is/pdf/BILLS-112s901is.pdf) – Increases access for angling, hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands by directing 1.5 percent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to ensure access to fishing, hunting and other recreational activities.

Keep the pressure on, please fill out the form below today!

The most effective thing you can do is to call your Senator’s office, and simply tell them to vote YES for final passage on S3525.  Type in your zip code below to see the phone number(s).
In order to address your message to the appropriate recipient, we need to identify where you are.

Please enter your zip/postal code: [Go to the web site (http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/o/6394/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4086) to do this].

Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: JLS on November 30, 2012, 08:18:53 AM
did this fail as posted on a diff thread?
ya murray and cantwell are a waste of time. Only Cantwell actually wrote me back after my contact. From some of her words it sounds like she may have voted no or abstained.

Cantwell and Murray both voted in support of it.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: bearpaw on November 30, 2012, 10:21:01 AM
I am fed up with government expanding spending and control, so I have a very hard time with this bill when I hear it’s going to cost money and there is talk about a new commission. Perhaps I am misunderstanding the bill, I have been too busy to take the time to read this bill. If any of you have read it maybe you can help me understand why I should support more spending and control?

-  Why is there a $140 million price tag for this bill?
-  Where is the $145 million in funding coming from?
-  What is the $140 Million being used for?
-  Who is paying the $145 Million and how?
-  What new government commissions is being created?
-  What will the new government commission be regulating?

Can anyone please explain why I should bite the carrot being dangled in my face and support this bill, thanks in advance for any help in understanding this bill better?
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: JLS on November 30, 2012, 10:43:54 AM
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3525/text (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3525/text)


Link to the bill.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: JLS on November 30, 2012, 10:54:38 AM
I am fed up with government expanding spending and control, so I have a very hard time with this bill when I hear it’s going to cost money and there is talk about a new commission. Perhaps I am misunderstanding the bill, I have been too busy to take the time to read this bill. If any of you have read it maybe you can help me understand why I should support more spending and control?

-  Why is there a $140 million price tag for this bill?
-  Where is the $145 million in funding coming from?
-  What is the $140 Million being used for?
-  Who is paying the $145 Million and how?
-  What new government commissions is being created?
-  What will the new government commission be regulating?

Can anyone please explain why I should bite the carrot being dangled in my face and support this bill, thanks in advance for any help in understanding this bill better?

Because it appropriates money for 1) public land access easements, 2) new shooting ranges and/or expanding rebuilding old ones.

The 145 million is projected to come from increased price of the federal duck stamp.

As I said in other thread on this, if you have the opportunity to spend money to make money you should.  Particularly when there are benefits to be had from doing so. 

Rejecting "government" just because it's government is silly.  This does not expand government, it simply creates some really good opportunity for the sportsmen of this country.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: JLS on November 30, 2012, 10:56:02 AM
More updates:

PUBLIC LANDS:
Proposed budget fix could revive Tester sportsmen's package
Phil Taylor, E&E reporter
Published: Friday, November 30, 2012
A Montana senator has proposed adding a crop insurance provision to his sportsmen's bill to bring it into compliance with budget law.

Democrat Jon Tester has offered to add a "sodsaver" amendment to S. 3525, a package of 17 bills that would conserve wetlands, expand funding for shooting ranges and increase recreational access to public lands, among many other provisions.

According to a Senate aide, Tester made the offer to Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), who on Monday raised a point of order blocking the bill, arguing that it violates the Budget Control Act of 2011 (E&E Daily, Nov. 27).

Tester said Monday he would have to find an additional $140 million to offset the bill's duck stamp provision, even though the Congressional Budget Office found that the bill would reduce the deficit by $5 million over the next decade.

Tester's proposal, according to the aide, would add a sodsaver provision that was included in the Senate's farm bill by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) before it was marked up last April by the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

The amendment, which is supported by sportsmen and conservationists, would reduce insurance premium supports and other subsidies when farmers kill off native grasslands to turn them into production. It would save about $175 million, more than enough to make up for the duck stamp costs, the aide said.

A Sessions aide last night said he had not seen the sodsaver proposal but that the senator remains committed to working with Tester to fix the bill.

Tester last night filed a placeholder amendment to the fiscal 2013 defense authorization bill. If Sessions agrees to the fix, the amendment would be swapped out with the revised sportsmen's bill.

The National Audubon Society, National Rifle Association and National Catholic Rural Life Network supported the sodsaver language when it was offered as an amendment to the House farm bill by Reps. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) and Kristi Noem (R-S.D.).

"I have guns, Gods and greens all behind this one," Walz said at the time, though he later withdrew the amendment amid opposition from Texan and Oklahoman representatives.

Supporters say the provision is particularly important for habitat vulnerable to crop conversions in the Northern Plains' prairie pothole region, including much of the Dakotas, eastern Montana, Iowa and Minnesota, which provides important nesting grounds for ducks and other birds.

Sportsmen and conservation groups continue to lobby hard for Tester's package, which is backed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy and dozens of other organizations.

"Senators should take advantage of this rare opportunity to act on a bill that has bipartisan and broad support," said Bob Bendick, director of U.S. government relations for the Nature Conservancy.

The bill is opposed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth, the Humane Society of the United States and some Democrats who have opposed language prohibiting U.S. EPA from regulating lead ammunition and for allowing a few dozen polar bear carcasses to be imported into the United States (Greenwire, Nov. 26).
__________________
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: bearpaw on November 30, 2012, 11:39:48 AM
Rejecting "government" just because it's government is silly.  This does not expand government, it simply creates some really good opportunity for the sportsmen of this country.

I would suggest that rejecting "government" just because it's government is "prudent thinking". Anyone with an inkling of finanacial wisdom can see the mess that "government" has gotten this country into.  ;)

With that said, thanks for providing the info that you did. I took the time to briefly look at the bill's language. I see they are creating a National Fish Habitat Board. That concerns me but is not a deal killer. I am concerned that the amount of price increase on duck stamps is not specified. Overall, after reading the language I am more optimistic about the bill and could support it after reading it. There are several very good things in the bill, I am anxious to see the revised language before jumping on it blindly.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: JLS on November 30, 2012, 11:50:52 AM


I would suggest that rejecting "government" just because it's government is "prudent thinking". Anyone with an inkling of finanacial wisdom can see the mess that "government" has gotten this country into.  ;)



I hope that people that don't like hunting don't reject my thoughts and ideas simply because I'm a hunter.  I'd like them to hear them and judge them on merit, not my associations.

I see rejecting government in the same manner as counterproductive.  YMMV.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 30, 2012, 03:51:20 PM

 
This just in from the NRA-ILA:

http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2012/act-now-to-stop-epa-from-regulating-your-ammunition.aspx


"You Must Act Now to Stop the EPA from Regulating Your Ammunition

Posted on November 30, 2012

Just over two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate voted 84-12 to advance S. 3525, "The Sportsmen's Act of 2012."  However, this week, by a 50-41 vote, the bill suffered a setback when the Senate failed to clear a procedural hurdle and move on to finish work on the bill.  There is still time to get this critically important legislation passed, but you must act now!

S. 3525 is an essential piece of legislation focused on the expansion and enhancement of hunting, recreational fishing and shooting on federal public land.  But it's more than that.

Of critical importance is the fact that, in addition to promoting land access, S. 3525 would amend the "Toxic Substances Control Act" to prevent this and future administrations from using the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate the right of hunters, shooters and anglers to use traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.  The bill would amend the law to clarify that the EPA does not have the authority to regulate shot, bullets or sport fishing equipment.

The bill also allows for the importation of polar bears legally taken from approved populations in Canada before the 2008 ban.

S. 3525 could come up for a vote at any time, so please act now to secure support for this critically important bill that would prevent the EPA from regulating your ammunition!  Please contact your U.S. Senators TODAY and ask them to support S. 3525.

You can find contact information for your U.S. Senators by using the "Write your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org (http://www.NRAILA.org). You may also contact your Senators by phone at (202) 224-3121."


Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: SCRUBS on November 30, 2012, 04:22:05 PM
I wasn`t speculating anything so I fixed it for ya ;)

I received no replies from Cantwell or Murray (again I didn`t request one either).

I can speculate. ;)

Murray urges passage of Sportsmen’s Bill, Calls on Republicans to Follow Rhetoric with Real Proposals

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Wednesday, November 28th, U.S. Senator Patty Murray delivered a speech on the Senate floor to call on her colleagues to pass Senate Bill 3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. The bill would enact a series of measures designed to ease restrictions on hunters and sportspeople throughout the United States.

“I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues have chosen to ignore an overwhelming number of Americans who support the reasonable, common sense proposals in this bill. Because Democrats are strongly in favor of passage, we will continue to fight for the hard working gun owners, hunters, and sportspeople in our country, and ask the Republicans to do the same. Unfortunately, Republicans have once again chosen to pander to the wealthiest Americans and right wing supporters including Bain Capital, Mitt Romney, George Bush, and Sarah Palin in an effort to divide our country.”
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on November 30, 2012, 07:48:14 PM

Because of some of the concerns raised in this forum post, Senator Tester's office was contacted directly to ensure the information was straight from the source.  Here are the applicable parts of the responses from Senator Tester's Press Secretary:

"... We appreciate you pushing back against the falsehoods about the bill.  The fact of the matter is that the bill saves money.  Negotiations are still going on ..."

"... As far as costs, there is no truth whatsoever to the claims about $140 million taxpayer liability.  The duck stamp provision is expected to raise $132 million, but of course that is done by voluntary purchases.  Additionally, the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization saves $5 million...."


Please refer to the attachments to gain a better understanding of what this Bill means to us.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: bearpaw on November 30, 2012, 10:51:59 PM
JLS, I asked some rather important questions regarding this bill and had hoped for some simple answers. A couple of your replies were probably not the most productive replies to build my support for the bill. :twocents:


jshunt maybe you can help, I cannot remember once that Cantwell & Murray have agreed with or supported any request that I have sent them asking for their support of any hunting or firearms issue. The fact they are reportedly supporting this bill raises red flags. Why are they supporting this bill and why are republicans who normally support hunting and firearms not actively supporting this bill? I think this is a fair question to ask.

I quickly read through the bill online and on the surface there are a number of positives, I have said I might support this bill, but I would also like to know how much they plan to charge for duckstamps to fund this bill and the new Fish Habitat Board? Thanks for any info you can provide.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: JLS on December 01, 2012, 06:28:04 AM
JLS, I asked some rather important questions regarding this bill and had hoped for some simple answers. A couple of your replies were probably not the most productive replies to build my support for the bill. :twocents:


jshunt maybe you can help, I cannot remember once that Cantwell & Murray have agreed with or supported any request that I have sent them asking for their support of any hunting or firearms issue. The fact they are reportedly supporting this bill raises red flags. Why are they supporting this bill and why are republicans who normally support hunting and firearms not actively supporting this bill? I think this is a fair question to ask.

I quickly read through the bill online and on the surface there are a number of positives, I have said I might support this bill, but I would also like to know how much they plan to charge for duckstamps to fund this bill and the new Fish Habitat Board? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Why?  Because I pointed out an anti-government bias in your logic that we shouldn't spend money to make money, while at the same time reaping benefits as sportsment?

Look at the groups that have worked to lobby for and support this bill.  It is an ecclectc mix to say the least.  John Tester has a strong record of supporting hunters and fishermen.  I for one do not believe for a second that he would sell us a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I believe the increase on the duck stamp is ten bucks.

Before the election, this bill received overwhelming support across the Senate.  It is partly line politics pure and simple.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: bearpaw on December 01, 2012, 07:11:16 AM
JLS, I asked some rather important questions regarding this bill and had hoped for some simple answers. A couple of your replies were probably not the most productive replies to build my support for the bill. :twocents:


jshunt maybe you can help, I cannot remember once that Cantwell & Murray have agreed with or supported any request that I have sent them asking for their support of any hunting or firearms issue. The fact they are reportedly supporting this bill raises red flags. Why are they supporting this bill and why are republicans who normally support hunting and firearms not actively supporting this bill? I think this is a fair question to ask.

I quickly read through the bill online and on the surface there are a number of positives, I have said I might support this bill, but I would also like to know how much they plan to charge for duckstamps to fund this bill and the new Fish Habitat Board? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Why?  Because I pointed out an anti-government bias in your logic that we shouldn't spend money to make money, while at the same time reaping benefits as sportsment?

Look at the groups that have worked to lobby for and support this bill.  It is an ecclectc mix to say the least.  John Tester has a strong record of supporting hunters and fishermen.  I for one do not believe for a second that he would sell us a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I believe the increase on the duck stamp is ten bucks.

Before the election, this bill received overwhelming support across the Senate.  It is partly line politics pure and simple.

So now you are labeling me as anti-government simply because I want to know how much this bill grows government and what the cost will be?
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on December 01, 2012, 08:35:27 AM
JLS, I asked some rather important questions regarding this bill and had hoped for some simple answers. A couple of your replies were probably not the most productive replies to build my support for the bill. :twocents:


jshunt maybe you can help, I cannot remember once that Cantwell & Murray have agreed with or supported any request that I have sent them asking for their support of any hunting or firearms issue. The fact they are reportedly supporting this bill raises red flags. Why are they supporting this bill and why are republicans who normally support hunting and firearms not actively supporting this bill? I think this is a fair question to ask.

I quickly read through the bill online and on the surface there are a number of positives, I have said I might support this bill, but I would also like to know how much they plan to charge for duckstamps to fund this bill and the new Fish Habitat Board? Thanks for any info you can provide.

When there is such a split down party lines, it would appear to be a play in partisan political football.  One article stated, "... Republicans voted not to move forward on S. 3525 citing they were adamantly against giving the Secretary of the Interior the ability to increase the duck stamp price $10...."

http://dscdaily.com/partisan-politics-wins-sportsmen-lose-sportsmens-act-of-2012-fails-to-advance-senate/

However, I don't know where they got their information.

Negotiations continue, so all of us in the sporting community should continue to push for the passage of S.3525. I say this because at least 46 national sportsmen and conservation organizations that represent millions of hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts support this Bill.  We need to place some trust in the guidance from these organizations that represent us.  Several of them have been communicating to their members with an urgent request asking the membership to please continue to contact their senators urging them to vote YES on the Sportsmen's Act of 1012 (S.3525).  Here is a list of the organizations I am aware of that support this legislation.

* American Fisheries Society * American Fly Fishing Trade Association * American Sportfishing Association * Archery Trade Association * Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies * B.A.S.S. LLC * Bear Trust International * Berkley Conservation Institute * Boone and Crockett Club * Campfire Club of America * Catch-A-Dream Foundation * Center for Coastal Conservation * Coastal Conservation Association * Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation * Delta Waterfowl Foundation * Ducks Unlimited * International Game Fish Association * International Hunter Education Association – United States of America * Masters of Foxhounds Association * Mule Deer Foundation * National Marine Manufacturers Association * National Rifle Association * National Shooting Sports Foundation * National Trappers Association * National Wild Turkey Federation * North American Bear Foundation * North American Grouse Partnership * Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association * Orion The Hunter’s Institute * Pheasants Forever * Pope & Young Club * Public Lands Foundation * Quail Forever * Quality Deer Management Association * Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation * Ruffed Grouse Society * Shimano * Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska * Texas Wildlife Association * The Conservation Fund * Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership * Trout Unlimited * Whitetails Unlimited * Wild Sheep Foundation * Wildlife Forever * Wildlife Management Institute *

We may not get another chance like this, so please don't get wrapped up in the political brinkmanship.

"The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is a compilation of bills that will expand, enhance and protect America’s hunting, recreational fishing and shooting heritage."

Please contact your senators and urge them pass this legislation. 

Please also reference the attachments in my post from 11-30-12 for further clarification. 
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: blackdog on December 01, 2012, 07:24:44 PM
I support the Bill, with reservations. USFWS has developed a strong anti consumptive user culture and I hope the Bill reins them in somewhat.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: csaaphill on December 01, 2012, 10:47:50 PM
wow sounds like some on here are the same crowd that helped stop hound hunting. you hunt why would someone not like this bill?
As for me I am Anti Gov, but that doesn't mean I'm all cracked. It just means I'm ever watchfull of Gov, and hate most things that give them more power. Lol links been here since before Reg modern season and is now getting a lot of traffic? This bills good as far as I can see the only reservation I have is the polar bear part, but other than that I see no real issues.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: 300UltraMagShooter on December 01, 2012, 10:53:00 PM
I am so sick and tired of simple minded people saying that conservatives are anti-goverment just because we don't like big government.  We like the government outlined in the constitution.... and we are not easily bought off like some of the simple-minded people out there. 

Everyone in their right mind should be anti-big govt....  and this bill is just that.

Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on December 02, 2012, 11:18:33 AM
JLS, I asked some rather important questions regarding this bill and had hoped for some simple answers. A couple of your replies were probably not the most productive replies to build my support for the bill. :twocents:


jshunt maybe you can help, I cannot remember once that Cantwell & Murray have agreed with or supported any request that I have sent them asking for their support of any hunting or firearms issue. The fact they are reportedly supporting this bill raises red flags. Why are they supporting this bill and why are republicans who normally support hunting and firearms not actively supporting this bill? I think this is a fair question to ask.

I quickly read through the bill online and on the surface there are a number of positives, I have said I might support this bill, but I would also like to know how much they plan to charge for duckstamps to fund this bill and the new Fish Habitat Board? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Here is some feedback from Senator Tester's Press Secretary:

"... What you should emphasize is that the Sportsmen’s Act is composed of half Republican bills and half Democratic bills – and that’s why Murray and Cantwell support it.

As far as Republicans, Jon’s bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the earlier procedural votes (over 90 votes in one case), but the recent vote was more about politics and does NOT reflect opposition to the merits of the bill by Republicans.

As you can see from the attachments I sent you earlier, the overall bill contains measures for hunters, anglers, conservationists, etc.  and there are tons of organizations that support it...."


Please read the attachments that have been referred to.  For convenience, I have attached them to this post again.  Just click on the links located at the bottom of this post and your understanding of this legislation will be greatly increased. 

Please contact your senators and urge them to pass the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525).


 :tup:The links to the documents are located directly under this line.  Please read them. :tup:
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: fireweed on December 03, 2012, 08:58:49 AM
Sent emails to senators.  Particularly like the "making public land public" which directs some Land and Water funds (which usually just buy habitat) to purchase access easements.  Anyone hunt the Margaret, Toutle, Packwood, Lewis River: this affects you where timber companies have tens of thousands of acres of public land "locked" behind their gates.  If we don't fix that, soon we will be paying companies for the privledge of getting to our own land.
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: bearpaw on December 03, 2012, 01:47:38 PM
I figured there was more to the story, tester needs to get the bill within legal spending limitations! I am also concerned that SCI has not signed onto this bill yet? They are one of, if not the biggest, legislative watchdogs for hunters with a fulltime office in WA D.C.!

Sportsmen’s Act Hits Roadblock in the U.S. Senate
 Posted on December 3, 2012

The latest version of this bill – a Reid-Tester substitute amendment – included provisions allowing for federal spending in excess of the budget limitations adopted last year by Congress.  These spending features prompted a “point of order” to be raised against the package and a Tester motion to waive the point of order (proceed with the amendment even though it violates budget limitations).  Tester’s motion did not pass.  New efforts are underway to see if the substitute amendment can be modified to address the budget problems and enable it to be passed before Congress adjourns.

more:  http://www.ussportsmen.org/hunting/sportsmens-act-hits-roadblock-in-the-u-s-senate/ (http://www.ussportsmen.org/hunting/sportsmens-act-hits-roadblock-in-the-u-s-senate/)
Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: huntrights on December 04, 2012, 09:51:03 PM
Article from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation "Elk Tracks", Thursday, November 29, 2012

http://rmefblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/rmef-ceo-david-allen-urges-hunters-to.html

RMEF CEO David Allen Urges Hunters to Take Action on Sportsmen’s Act

"To RMEF Members,

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation considers the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 to be of vital importance for conservation, wildlife, and sportsmen and women. We are asking all of our members to consider supporting it by immediately calling your U.S. Senator. This bill is good for ALL sportsmen and for wildlife conservation. The Senators who voted against this bill are not thinking about wildlife and sportsmen and women. We need them to support this bill NOW.
Again, please consider calling your Senator to ask them to support this good bill. Thank you for your consideration.

David Allen
RMEF President/CEO


Despite overwhelming support by Democrats and Republicans, Senators who previously backed the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S. 3525) used an earlier procedural vote this week to scrap it. The proposal is a collection of 17 bills that offer many beneficial things for conservation, fishing, hunting, and sportsmen and women. Here are some of its highlights:

-It earmarks a percentage of offshore oil and gas drilling revenue to purchase improved access for up to 35 million acres of public land that has limited access.

-It channels more of the excise-tax funds that hunters currently pay on guns and ammunition to public shooting ranges across the U.S.

-It brings the federal Duck Stamp into the modern age by allowing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to sell them electronically and bump up the price from $10 to $25 to fund critical wetland and duck habitat.

Some Senators cited financial concerns as a reason to table the proposal; however the Congressional Budget Office estimates enacting the Sportsmen’s Act would actually reduce the deficit by $5 million over the next ten years. Suffice it to say that this bill does not add to the national debt and it provides substantial benefit to wildlife. It seems that this what good legislation should do.

Go here for a full view of S. 3525."

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3525/text



Please contact your senators and urge them to pass the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 (S.3525).


Title: Re: ALERT - ACTION REQUIRED: Sportsmen’s Act Will Soon Face A Vote
Post by: bearpaw on December 05, 2012, 11:09:40 AM
jshunt I really appreciate the effort you put into sportsman's issues for everyone, THANKYOU   :hello:

I have been cautious on this bill because spending is an issue that America has got to get under control. It appears most likely the Senators will negotiate the funding and spending and adjust the bill to be within congressional limits. It sounds like they are on the right track and no doubt it's important for everyone to show support of the issues within the bill to our senators.

I will be sending out a message indicating my support of the hunting and shooting benefits in this legislation and ask Senators to support the bill once funding is provided within the bill and there will be no increase to the national debt.

Thanks Again For All Your Work,
Dale
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