Heinrich takes aim at implementation of gun-safety law

Sep. 10—Sen. Martin Heinrich and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are taking aim, so to speak, at the Department of Education's implementation of certain aspects of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

The law was negotiated after mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. The law implemented new gun-control laws and also provided funding for mental health resources.

But the New Mexico Democrat and others wrote a letter dated Sept. 5 to the Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, asking him to follow Congress and restore federal funding for educational activities such as hunting and archery.

Heinrich — a hunter who is quick to share his elk carne advoda recipe after he bags some game — said education officials have misinterpreted the law to exclude certain educational activities from receiving federal funding.

"This is concerning because of the important role these enrichment programs can play in students' lives. Archery is an inclusive extracurricular activity that empowers students from all backgrounds to learn a sport and compete," the lawmakers wrote. "Hunter safety classes and programs play an important role in teaching safety, wildlife management, landowner relations, and personal responsibility to students."

The bill was heralded by lawmakers as the most significant gun-safety bill passed in decades. Two key provisions in the bill made firearm straw purchases and trafficking firearms out of the United States criminal offenses punishable by up to 15 years in prison.