HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today criticized the Biden administration for a recent interpretation of federal law that would eliminate federal education funding for archery and firearm safety courses in Montana schools.

“Hunting and shooting sports are deeply rooted traditions in Montana, and training is an important component of developing safe, responsible, and ethical hunters, shooters, and bowhunters,” Gov. Gianforte wrote in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This week, the Department defended its interpretation of the law jeopardizing these training programs, offering to “provide technical assistance on legislative language to address this issue.” This is a wholly insufficient, bureaucratic response.”

He continued, “I urge the Department to act without delay to reverse its decision and issue new guidance to protect archery and hunter education programs in Montana schools.”

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education interpreted Section 13401 of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BCSA) to prevent schools from utilizing federal education funding to support archery and firearm training courses, including for hunter education. Following blowback, the Biden administration on Monday defended its interpretation of the law.

The governor’s full letter to Secretary Cardona may be viewed here.