Bill would limit federal bans on lead ammo and tackle on public lands
Passed one chamberH.R. 556Latest action
Sponsor: Robert J. Wittman · Representative · VA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 556 would generally block federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or fishing tackle on lands open to hunting and fishing.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would stop federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or lead fishing tackle, or setting new lead-content limits, on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception allows site-specific restrictions if an agency proves with field data that lead is a main cause of a local wildlife population decline, and the restriction matches state law or is approved by the state wildlife agency.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation groups using lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service, as well as state wildlife agencies.
Why does it matter?
The practical effect would be to make it harder for federal agencies to restrict lead-based ammunition or tackle except in narrow, documented cases tied to wildlife declines.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 16, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Mar 19, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 93
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 215
- Nay
- 202
- 0
- 15
Republicans 208 yes, 1 no, 9 not voting · Democrats 7 yes, 201 no, 6 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
House · · Roll call 92
As recorded
- Question
- On
- Result:
- Failed
- 206
- Nay
- 209
- 0
- 17
Republicans 209 no, 9 not voting · Democrats 206 yes, 8 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record