'Sportsmen's act', which also relaxes ammunition regulations, gains support from Democrats in key Republican states

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Legislation to promote shooting on public land and relax ammunition regulations sailed through Congress on Monday night after Senators voted overwhelmingly in favour of a key procedural motion.

In stark contrast to gun control legislation, which has been stalled since last April, the bipartisan "sportsmen's act" has been promoted by gun enthusiasts and attracted support from several Democrats facing re-election in Republican-leaning states.

A cloture motion to bring debate to a close and move rapidly toward a vote was passed by 82 senators to 12, all but ensuring the bill – which is matched by a similar measure already passed by the House of Representatives - will soon become law.

The legislation aims "to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting" by stipulating that shooting ranges on public land can be used for target practice and exempting shotgun pellets and bullets from environmental rules designed to limit lead use.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, one of several pro-gun groups supporting the measure, said "this historic legislation is simply the most important package of measures for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation".

Its list of sponsors closely matches those Democrats facing the stiffest Republican challenges in November's mid-term election, including Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark Begich of Alaska, Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Mark Udall of Colorado.

Among the 12 Democrats in mostly safe seats voting against cloture were senators Blumenthal, Feinstein, Menendez, Murphy, Reed, Warren, Merkley, Booker and Hirono.