Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

This bill would amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to clarify the legal status of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, clothing, and art that contain nonedible parts of migratory birds. Currently, federal law generally prohibits possessing, selling, or transporting migratory bird parts. This bill would create an exception allowing Alaska Natives to possess, sell, barter, purchase, ship, and transport such authentic traditional items, provided the birds were not taken in a wasteful or illegal manner. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to work with the Secretary of the Interior to establish bilateral procedures with other countries that are parties to migratory bird treaties to clarify how these traditional Alaska Native items are treated internationally. The bill is currently under committee consideration and has not yet been voted on by the full House.