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HR 556ReferredFederalhouse

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

Introduced January 16, 2025Last action March 19, 2026
View official bill

Legislative Progress

Introduced
Referred
Committee
Floor Vote
Passed Chamber
Passed Both
Enrolled
Signed

Plain English Summary

AI-generated

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act: Plain-English Summary

This bill, based on its title and legislative history, appears to be designed to protect and preserve hunting and fishing access on public or federally managed lands and waters. While no official description was provided, bills with this type of title typically work to prevent restrictions on traditional hunting and angling activities, potentially limiting the ability of federal agencies to close off or limit access to public lands for these recreational purposes. The bill may also address regulations or designations — such as wilderness or conservation area classifications — that could restrict where hunters and anglers are permitted to go.

The people most directly affected by this bill would be hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts who use federal public lands and waters. It could also affect land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, potentially limiting their authority to restrict certain activities in areas under their oversight. Environmental and conservation groups may also have a stake, depending on how the bill balances wildlife access with broader habitat protection goals.

The bill passed the House of Representatives by a narrow vote of 215 to 202, suggesting it is somewhat controversial. It has since been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works for further review. Because no official legislative text description was provided, readers are encouraged to review the full bill text for specific details about its provisions.

This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

March 19, 2026

Sponsor

R
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]RVA

Committees

Natural ResourcesForestry and HorticultureAgriculture dischargedEnvironment and Public Works

Legislative History

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Mar 19, 2026

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 556.

Mar 18, 2026
house

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2576-2580)

Mar 18, 2026
house

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

Mar 18, 2026
house

Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2580)

Mar 18, 2026
house

The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.

Mar 18, 2026
house

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 556, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Dingell demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.

Mar 18, 2026
house

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2581-2582)

Mar 18, 2026
house

On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 206 - 209 (Roll no. 92).

Mar 18, 2026
house

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576)

Mar 18, 2026
house

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 202 (Roll no. 93). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2576)

Mar 18, 2026
house

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Mar 18, 2026
house

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

Mar 18, 2026
house

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1115 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

Mar 16, 2026
house

Committee on Agriculture discharged.

Nov 25, 2025

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.

Nov 25, 2025

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-385, Part I.

Nov 25, 2025

Committee on Agriculture discharged.

Nov 25, 2025

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 335.

Nov 25, 2025

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jul 15, 2025

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 17.

Jul 15, 2025

Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.

Feb 20, 2025

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 16, 2025

Introduced in House

Jan 16, 2025

Introduced in House

Jan 16, 2025

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 16, 2025