Congressman Jeff Flake Introduces Recreational Shooting Protection Act

November 17, 2011

For Immediate Release


Press Contact: Genevieve Frye Rozansky




Congressman Flake Introduces Recreational Shooting Protection Act


Administration Shouldn’t Be Able to Unilaterally Close Federal Lands to Shooting Sports


Washington, D.C. – Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today introduced H.R. 3440, the Recreational Shooting Protection Act.


The bill would require congressional approval for any recreational shooting restrictions proposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on BLM-managed national monument lands, like the 600,000 acres in southern Arizona the BLM is currently proposing to close to recreational shooting. In 2010, the BLM closed 400,000 acres of publicly-owned, national monument lands across three states to recreational shooting activities. The Recreational Shooting Protection Act also directs the BLM to manage national monument land in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances recreational shooting opportunities.

“Banning recreational shooting sports on public lands is yet another example of this Administration’s bureaucratic overreach,” said Flake. “The Recreational Shooting Protection Act will ensure that Congress exercises appropriate oversight over the BLM’s proposed closures.”

The Recreational Shooting Protection Act is endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“The shooting sports are an important part of our national heritage and must be protected now and for generations to come. We are grateful to Congressman Flake for his leadership on this critical issue. The NRA will continue to lead the fight to protect the interests of shooters and hunters, as we have for more than 140 years,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action.

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