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Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

USA119th CongressHR-6021| House 
| Updated: 2/4/2026
Nicholas J. Begich

Nicholas J. Begich

Republican Representative

Alaska

Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to clarify the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft that incorporate nonedible migratory bird parts. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the possession, sale, barter, or transport of these cultural items is explicitly permitted under the MBTA and associated international conventions. This allowance is conditional, however, as it does not apply to handicrafts containing parts from migratory birds taken in a wasteful or illegal manner. The bill provides specific definitions for "Alaska Native" and "authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft," emphasizing items composed of natural materials and produced by an Alaska Native using traditional methods without mass copying. To implement these changes, the Secretary of State is directed to engage with treaty countries, and the Secretary of the Interior must modify existing regulations within 180 days of enactment. These administrative steps aim to align both international agreements and domestic law with the bill's provisions.
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Timeline
Jan 24, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-255
Introduced in Senate
Nov 12, 2025
Introduced in House
Nov 12, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jan 28, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Feb 4, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • January 24, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-255
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 12, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • November 12, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • January 28, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.


  • February 4, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

Native Americans

Related Bills

  • S 119-255: Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

USA119th CongressHR-6021| House 
| Updated: 2/4/2026
This legislation amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to clarify the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft that incorporate nonedible migratory bird parts. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the possession, sale, barter, or transport of these cultural items is explicitly permitted under the MBTA and associated international conventions. This allowance is conditional, however, as it does not apply to handicrafts containing parts from migratory birds taken in a wasteful or illegal manner. The bill provides specific definitions for "Alaska Native" and "authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft," emphasizing items composed of natural materials and produced by an Alaska Native using traditional methods without mass copying. To implement these changes, the Secretary of State is directed to engage with treaty countries, and the Secretary of the Interior must modify existing regulations within 180 days of enactment. These administrative steps aim to align both international agreements and domestic law with the bill's provisions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jan 24, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-255
Introduced in Senate
Nov 12, 2025
Introduced in House
Nov 12, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jan 28, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Feb 4, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • January 24, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-255
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 12, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • November 12, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • January 28, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.


  • February 4, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held
Nicholas J. Begich

Nicholas J. Begich

Republican Representative

Alaska

Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

Native Americans

Related Bills

  • S 119-255: Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted