Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after two bills he promoted were signed into law by President Joe Biden. Among several bills signed by the president were H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, and S.112, which strengthens benefits for the children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida.

“I’m pleased to report that during a time of intense gridlock in Washington, we are making progress on my legislative priorities and delivering on the promises made to Hoosiers,” said Rep. Baird. “These bills passed both chambers unanimously, confirming we can secure legislative victories without resorting to unproductive political games. I would like to thank my colleagues who helped shepherd these bills through Congress and get them on the president’s desk. Together, we are delivering much-needed victories for the American people.”

Background:

On June 7th, Congressman Baird introduced H.R. 3888, the House companion to S.112, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida. The children of Vietnam veterans have an increased risk of spina bifida, a neural tube defect in the spine, due to their parent’s exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. This legislation will strengthen existing benefits for Vietnam veterans and establish a plan to contact eligible individuals.

The full text of S. 112 can be found here.

President Biden also signed H.R. 5110, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to restore Federal funding for hunting, archery, and sport shooting classes in schools. On July 31st, the Department of Education (ED) confirmed they had prohibited the use of Federal funds for these programs under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) signed in 2022 by the Democrat-controlled Congress. H.R. 5110 clarifies that ED cannot withhold funds from schools that offer these programs under the authority granted to them by the BSCA. Congressman Baird is a proud cosponsor of this legislation.

The full text of H.R. 5110 can be found here.