Bills Needing Action

HR 8168 

This bill was introduced in July 2022 by Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and 53 cosponsors. It proposes to eliminate the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. This tax, first imposed by the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937, generates hundreds of millions of dollars every year to fund the conservation and land access efforts of state wildlife agencies. 

Julie Cammarata, lobbyist for Friends of Connecticut Sportsmen has provided additional information about the bill below. Remember, if you write to your local congressperson in opposition of this bill, please email a copy to Don Schubert, chair of the RF&G legislative committee at sholdingsltd@msn.com. You will receive 1 work hour for your efforts.


Email from Julie Cammarata – Friends of CT Sportsment Lobbyist In response to HR 8168

Good morning Friends – I understand that there is widespread concern about the possibility of HR 8168 passing, would stop taxes and fees on ammo, guns, archery equipment, etc., and  is our primary funding for our state agency fish and wildlife conservation programs. 

 The bill is all Republican endorsed – there are no Democrats on the bill. I spoke with Congresswoman DeLauro’s office (and she’s the top of the heap for bills even making it to the floor for a vote). There is NO SUPPORT from the CT Delegation and further, NO SUPPORT from any sportsmen’s organizations in the country. That’s right – not one. Further, the bill originally had 58 Republican sponsors and is down to 53, which is unusual to lose sponsors. I expect we will see more sponsors fall off given the heavy opposition from sportsmen across the country. 

In short, this bill is more unlikely to pass this Congress than Hunter Biden is to get prosecuted. Even if it did, there is zero chance it would pass the Senate, given no Democrat support and flailing Republican support. 

Congresswoman DeLauro’s office has this on their radar and I will stay in touch with Jack in her DC office on this matter until the end of this Congress until it is officially dead. 

In the meantime, it never hurts to let your feelings be known! Below are the websites for for the five congressional members, contact forms and phone numbers. I’ve included some draft language below you can use to call or email and let them know what you think about the bill.

When you visit the sites below, it would also be a good idea to sign up for your congressperson’s email list so you can stay on top of what they do (and don’t do) to represent you in DC.   

Congressman John Larson

Congressman Joe Courtney

Congressman Jim Himes

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes


Sample Letter Template:

RE: Please OPPOSE H.R.8167 – RETURN our Constitutional Rights Act of 2022

 Dear Congressperson ____:

 I am writing to ask that you oppose HR 8167, which would repeal the federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment and reduce the tax on fishing equipment. 

 The Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Acts (also known as the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts) have been in place for nearly a century and provide the majority of funding for state fish and wildlife conservation efforts, including Connecticut. As a sportsman that pays these excise taxes knowing they fund these critical efforts, I worry how the State would continue to maintain critical wildlife conservation work without these funds. 

 Please oppose the bill and I would appreciate it if you or your staff confirm your opposition to this bill with me by return reply.

 Thank you, 

Name and address

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial