United States House of Representatives Glenn Grothman 6th District, Wisconsin

August 1, 2022

Dear Roger:

Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 8167, the RETURN Our Constitutional Rights Act of 2022. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA) introduced H.R. 8167 on June 22, 2022. If enacted, this bill would repeal federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, and arrows. Conservation programs under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, including hunter education and wildlife habitat conservation programs, are currently funded through these excise taxes. H.R. 8167 would replace the current funding source for these programs with unallocated lease revenue from onshore and offshore energy development on federal lands. H.R. 8167 has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee for further consideration.

While I believe that individuals should not be taxed for exercising their constitutional rights, I am concerned as to the adverse effects H.R. 8167 may have on conservation in Wisconsin. Being an outdoorsman, I understand the need to safeguard funding for conservation programs. For this reason, I cannot in good faith support this bill in its current form.

Thank you again for contacting me. Representing you in Congress is an honor and I appreciate hearing from you. Should you have other concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. To stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter by visiting my website at www.grothman.house.gov, and follow me on Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman).