Berks County News

Rep. David Maloney, a long-time advocate for sportsmen's rights and chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, has criticized the Biden Administration for withholding funds from schools with hunting and archery programs. Maloney, who played a key role in legislation allowing Pennsylvania public schools to host hunter education courses, expressed concern over this decision.

Maloney highlighted his personal connection to hunting, recounting his childhood experiences in Pennsylvania's outdoors. He emphasized that early instruction on firearms and hunting fosters safer behavior and respect for wildlife. "The Biden Administration’s attack on our next generation of hunters and archers is a new low," he stated. He also questioned how this move would impact the state law permitting public school properties to be used for hunter safety courses.

During his campaign, President Joe Biden assured voters that while he supported new gun control measures, he was not targeting sportsmen and women. Maloney now contends those assurances were misleading. According to him, the Department of Education's interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) led to the decision against federal funding for school hunting and archery classes.

"Hunting in Pennsylvania with a bow or a firearm is practically a birthright," said Maloney. He pointed out that game animals like whitetail deer hold significant cultural value in the state. The congressman also noted that hunting and fishing contribute approximately $1.5 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy.