Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.R. 6021 — Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act, as amended

Current Status

Reported by Committee

Executive Summary

H.R. 6021, the 'Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act,' seeks to resolve legal ambiguities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act regarding the sale of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts that incorporate nonedible migratory bird parts. Currently, artisans face legal risks and potential prosecution when selling traditional crafts containing these parts due to strict interpretations of the 1974 US-Japan Migratory Bird Treaty. The bill directs the Secretaries of State and Interior to negotiate bilateral clarifications with Japan and update domestic regulations to protect Native artisans' livelihoods, while including safeguards to exclude bird species facing significant population declines.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Begich (R-AK)

Bill Number

H.R. 6021

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

None
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Protects the cultural heritage and economic livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans from overzealous federal prosecution over traditional practices.
  • Resolves a long-standing diplomatic and legal gray area without requiring a full, complex renegotiation of the underlying international treaty.
  • Includes built-in conservation safeguards to ensure the policy does not harm vulnerable bird populations.

Likely Supporters

Alaska Federation of NativesAlaska Migratory Bird Co-Management CouncilTribal artisan guilds and Native corporations

Arguments Against

  • Environmental groups may argue that creating any commercial market for migratory bird parts, even limited to handicrafts, complicates law enforcement and could inadvertently incentivize poaching.
  • Creates an administrative burden on the State Department to negotiate bilateral agreements with a foreign nation for a highly localized, domestic issue.

Likely Opponents

Hardline wildlife conservation organizationsAnimal rights advocacy groups

📋 Key Provisions

  • Directs the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Interior to initiate bilateral procedures with Japan within 180 days to clarify the legal sale of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts containing nonedible migratory bird parts.
  • Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to modify Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulations to implement these clarifications, including setting conditions for consignment, resale, and authenticity certification.
  • Provides a conservation safeguard allowing the Secretary of the Interior to exclude specific bird species from this exemption if they show significant population declines or are designated as a Bird of Conservation Concern.
  • Strictly defines 'authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft' to ensure items are traditionally made without mass copying devices and explicitly excludes parts taken in a wasteful or illegal manner.
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Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 16

Requires the initiation of bilateral procedures within 180 days of enactment.

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"Not later than 180 days"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 17

Allows the Secretary to remove species from the exemption if they show significant population declines.

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"show significant population declines or"

Claim Analysis Page 5, Line 13

Defines Alaska Native verification through a Tribal enrollment card, CDIB, or Silver Hand permit.

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"a Tribal enrollment card;"