The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.HR 6021 clarifies protections for Alaska Native handicrafts containing migratory bird parts
Last action · September 15, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.Sponsor: Nicholas Begich
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What This Bill Would Do
HR 6021 allows the possession, sale, barter, and transport of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing containing nonedible migratory bird parts under the , provided the birds were legally taken. The bill directs federal agencies to establish bilateral procedures with treaty partners and modify regulations within 180 days.
Changes federal enforcement rules for Alaska Native artisans and craft sellers by establishing clear legal protections for artworks incorporating migratory bird feathers or bones, contingent upon sustainable harvest practices.
- The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 implements environmental conventions between the United States and countries including Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Russia to protect shared migratory bird species. context
- HR 6021 passed the House of Representatives on September 14, 2026, and was received in the Senate on September 15, 2026. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Alaska Natives
Alaska Native artisans and craftmakers gain legal clarity allowing them to possess, sell, barter, and transport authentic handicrafts containing nonedible migratory bird parts.
Department of the Interior
The agency is required to modify regulations, consult with councils and foreign nations, evaluate bird population conservation statuses, and develop outreach resources within 180 days.
Department of State
The agency must work with the Department of the Interior to establish bilateral procedures with foreign countries party to the migratory bird treaties.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill allow the sale of all items containing bird parts?
Who verifies whether someone qualifies as an Alaska Native under this legislation?
What happens if a specific bird species used in handicrafts experiences a population decline?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
VIDEO: H.R.6021 – Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act
H.R. 6021 protecting Alaska Native handicraft passes U.S. House— Rep. Begich's 14th bill to pass House
Bias ratings based on AllSides / Media Bias/Fact Check
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.
Procedural history
16 actions- Sep 15, 2026SenateCommitteeReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sep 14, 2026HouseThe title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026HouseMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026HouseFloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5564-5565)
- Sep 14, 2026HouseFloorPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6021.
Show 10 earlier actions
- Sep 14, 2026HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5564-5566)
- Sep 14, 2026HouseMr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Aug 27, 2026HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 675.
- Aug 27, 2026HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-774.
- Jul 22, 2026HouseCommitteeOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- Jul 22, 2026HouseSubcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Feb 4, 2026HouseSubcommittee Hearings Held
- Jan 28, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- Nov 12, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Nov 12, 2025HouseIntroducedIntroduced in House
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Bilateral Treaty Clarification for Indigenous Crafts
The legislation formally coordinates international treaty obligations with domestic indigenous cultural practices by mandating bilateral procedures with foreign nations.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance55How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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