Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2316) to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to provide that interest on obligations held in the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund shall become available for apportionment at the beginning of fiscal year 2033.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2316, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2316, the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025.

This bill is sponsored by Representative Hurd of Colorado, and it would ensure that the interest from unallocated Pittman-Robertson funds continue to go to North America Wetlands Conservation Act, or NAWCA.

NAWCA is one of the most successful conservation programs administered by the Federal Government and has proven to be invaluable all over the country as well as in my home State of Arkansas.

Over 100,000 people visit Arkansas each year to hunt waterfowl in the pristine flyways of The Natural State. Across North America, NAWCA projects have conserved nearly 34 million acres of wetland habitat for migratory waterfowl.

Funds generated under Pittman-Robertson come from excise taxes on the sale of hunting equipment and firearms. Various State and wildlife agencies, as represented by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, are on record supporting this approach, further confirming its viability and effectiveness.

I commend my colleague from Colorado (Mr. Hurd) for being a champion for sportsmen and -women, and I thank him for his work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hurd), the lead sponsor on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, by passing this commonsense legislation, the House will ensure that we can continue conserving vital waterfowl habitats for years to come.

This is important for sportsmen and -women who depend on healthy wetland habitats for hunting, fishing, and other forms of wildlife- centered recreation. H.R. 2316 is a win for conservation and the sportsmen and -women communities alike. NAWCA has proven to be a very successful program.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 2316, the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025.

This bipartisan legislation ensures that the interest earned on unallocated Pittman-Robertson funds will continue to support wetlands restoration through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act for years to come.

For nearly a century, the Pittman-Robertson Act has stood as one of the most successful conservation funding models in the world. It works because sportsmen and sportswomen pay a dedicated excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. That money is then invested in habitat restoration, public access, and in hunter education.

Since 2004, interest generated from these funds has added an average of nearly $11 million per year to support wetland and waterfowl conservation across North America. That funding is leveraged by nonprofit and State partners, often doubling or tripling the Federal investment, delivering high-impact results.

This bill is about safeguarding that model. It is about making sure that the dollars contributed by sportsmen and sportswomen continue to be put to work by conserving the wetlands that sustain wildlife, outdoor access, and rural economies, including in places like Colorado's San Luis Valley, where thousands of acres of wetlands benefit from these funds.

There is no better conservationist than the American sportsman, and this legislation honors their legacy by protecting the very lands and waters that they have long fought to preserve.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and the staff of the House Committee on Natural Resources for working with my office to get this bill introduced. I thank my colleague from across the aisle, Representative Elfreth, for co-leading this legislation with me. I also thank all of the organizations who are supporting this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask my House colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense, bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 would extend critical wetlands conservation funding through 2033.

Many of my constituents live and breathe wetlands conservation. Whether you are a duck hunter on the river or a birder exploring the coastal marshes or a family counting on clean water and flood protection, wetlands deliver for everyone.

Since 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act has created successful conservation models where hunters and sportsmen support wildlife restoration through excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

Currently, the interest earned from these funds supports wetlands protection through 2026, and this bill ensures that funding continues uninterrupted through 2033.

This is conservation funding that works. It is user funded, results driven, and focuses on protecting habitats that benefit all Americans. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act has helped to protect millions of acres of wetlands and grasslands across North America.

I commend Representatives Hurd and Elfreth for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this proven funding mechanism and ensuring that future generations inherit healthy wetlands and thriving wildlife.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2316, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this really great legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2316.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.