WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, announced his support for The Bipartisan Sportsmen Act of 2015, legislation that includes a broad array of bipartisan measures to enhance opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy.

“Outdoor recreation is a time-honored tradition in Maine, an intrinsic part of our state identity, and a powerful force in our rural economy,” said Senator King. “For generations, Maine people have enjoyed hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities while also recognizing the importance of conservation and good land and wildlife stewardship. By protecting sportsmen’s rights and reauthorizing funding for important conversation programs, the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act will continue to support the longstanding connection between recreation and conservation that we are fortunate to have in Maine.”

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, of which Senator King is a member, is scheduled to consider the legislation on Thursday, March 12^th. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is also planning on holding a separate hearing on provisions under its jurisdiction soon. The text of the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015 is available here. A full list of the provisions included in the package is also available on the energy committee’s website.

Originally introduced by Senators Martin Henrich (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the bill is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Gardner (R-Col.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

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