Pushing a bill to strengthen access for hunters, anglers and target shooters may seem an odd choice for House Republican leaders who have made job creation and increased energy development their top priorities this session. But to some Democrats and environmentalists, the bill by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) was a carefully crafted plan to split sportsmen and conservationists, constituencies that have historically aligned on an array of natural resource issues. Go to story #1

The House last night on a bipartisan vote passed a bill that would safeguard sportsmen's access to public lands and handcuff the president's ability to designate new national monuments. The bill, by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), passed on a 274-146 vote, drawing support from 39 Democrats and opposition from two Republicans. Go to story #2