U.S. Senate Passes Keeping America’s Wildlife Refuge Operational Act

On April 9, the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act (S.1940) passed out of the Senate on a voice vote after the House passed the bill on suspension on December 18, 2017.

The Senate bill, was introduced by CSC members Senator John Barrasso (WY) and Senator Tom Carper (DE). The House companion bill (H.R. 3979) was introduced by Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries (NY) and Gregorio Sablan (MP), along with Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Members (CSC) Congressmen Rob Wittman (VA), Garret Graves (LA), Frank LoBiondo (NJ), and Mike Thompson (CA).

If signed into law, this bipartisan legislation will reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer, Community Partnership, and Education Programs through Fiscal Year 2022.

There are nearly 600 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States, and this legislation will help to ensure that the more than 300 refuges currently open to hunting and fishing will remain open for sportsmen and women to participate in these time-honored traditions.

More than 40,000 volunteers contribute 1.3 million hours collectively to National Wildlife Refuges.

The Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act now heads to the President’s desk.

States Involved