Udall Decries Obstruction of Legislation to Support Sportsmen, Public Shooting Ranges
Mark Udall said he was disappointed today that U.S. Senate Republicans have blocked legislation containing bipartisan proposals aimed at supporting sportsmen, conservation and responsible recreational target practice. The Sportsmen’s Act, S.3525, included Udall’s Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, which would give states greater flexibility to use the funds collected on sporting equipment and ammunition to create more accessible ranges for safe target practice and recreational shooting – all without costing the taxpayer a dime.
“The Senate had a narrow window of opportunity to get work done before the election and pass bipartisan legislation, like the Sportsmen’s Act; however, partisanship is once again interfering with this basic responsibility,” Udall said. “This bill was particularly important to Colorado hunters and sportsmen, who are losing access to safe, well-managed areas where they can responsibly practice their sport. I remain committed to passing this legislation.
Udall has worked since introducing the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act last year to pass it into law, including testifying at a Senate hearing in favor of the bill. He urged the Senate earlier this year to act on the bill after the U.S. House of Representatives did so in June.
Sportsmen groups across the state as well as the Colorado Springs Gazette and the Boulder Daily Camera have expressed support for Udall’s proposal.