Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Nov 12, 2025)
Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act
This bill states that nothing in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) prohibits possessing, selling, bartering, purchasing, shipping, or transporting any authentic Alaska Native handicraft, clothing, or art on the basis that it contains a nonedible migratory bird part, so long as the bird was not taken in a wasteful or illegal manner. (The MBTA implements four international treaties that the United States entered into with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The MBTA prohibits the taking of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization.)
The bill directs the Department of State to work with the Department of the Interior to enter into appropriate bilateral procedures with countries that are parties to the treaties under the MBTA to clarify the treatment of Alaska Native handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts from the species of migratory birds listed in those treaties. Further, Interior must modify any regulations implementing the MBTA to implement this bill.
What just happenedSep 15, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateSep 15, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseSep 14, 2026
- Reported in HouseAug 27, 2026
- Introduced in HouseNov 12, 2025
- Sep 15, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Environment and Public Works Committee - Sep 14, 2026FloorH38800
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5564-5565)
- Sep 14, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6021.
- Sep 14, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5564-5566)
- Sep 14, 2026FloorH30300
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Aug 27, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 675.
- Aug 27, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-774.
Natural Resources Committee - Aug 27, 2026Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-774.
Natural Resources Committee - Jul 22, 2026Committee
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Natural Resources Committee - Jul 22, 2026Committee
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Feb 4, 2026Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Jan 28, 2026Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Nov 12, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Natural Resources Committee - Nov 12, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Nov 12, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House