Bill · H.R. 6021· House(119-HR-6021)
Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act
- Introduced
- 11/12/2025
- Last activity
- 9/15/2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Nicholas Begich
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act. It directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior to work on bilateral procedures with Japan. The goal is to clarify how authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts are treated under a specific treaty. The Secretary of the Interior is also given the ability to modify certain regulations and must work on outreach with stakeholders. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to remove certain bird species from these applications if their populations decline.
Yes· 3 of 12
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
Specifically benefits Alaska Natives by clarifying and protecting the sale of traditional handicrafts.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
Directly supports economic and cultural activities in rural Alaskan communities.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
Reduces regulatory ambiguity for those selling authentic Alaska Native handicrafts.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 3(a)(1) requires the Secretary of State to work with the Secretary of the Interior to enter into procedures with the foreign country party to the treaty to clarify the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft offered for sale containing nonedible migratory bird parts. This could benefit Alaska Natives by providing clearer rules for selling their traditional handicrafts.
-
Section 3(c) mandates that the Secretary of the Interior work in collaboration with the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council and other appropriate stakeholders to develop outreach and communication resources. This benefits people by helping them clearly understand the rules pertaining to the sale of these authentic handicrafts.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 3(b) states that if the Secretary of the Interior determines that any of the bird species used show significant population declines or are determined to be a Bird of Conservation Concern, the Secretary may modify regulations to remove those species from application under the Act. This could negatively impact artisans who rely on those specific bird parts for their traditional handicrafts if they are no longer allowed to use them.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+8Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+3Good For Low Income Households+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+3Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2Improves International Alliances+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3Improves Environmental Protections+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 9/15/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 9/14/2026
- The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5564-5565)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6021.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5564-5566)
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 8/27/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-774.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 675.
- 7/22/2026
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 2/4/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 1/28/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 11/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.