Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/6021
Last Updated: November 19, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

ID: B001323

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the real motivations behind HR 6021, the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill claims to "clarify" the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts under various international treaties. But don't be fooled – this is just a Trojan horse for special interests.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to exempt "authentic" Alaska Native handicrafts from regulations prohibiting the possession, sale, and transportation of migratory bird parts. The definition of "authentic" is conveniently broadened to include items made by Alaska Natives using traditional techniques, but without any meaningful oversight or enforcement mechanisms.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The bill's primary beneficiaries are Alaska Native artisans and traders who can now profit from the sale of handicrafts containing migratory bird parts. However, this "clarification" also opens the door for unscrupulous operators to exploit loopholes and traffic in protected species.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of regulatory capture, where special interests have hijacked the legislative process to serve their own agendas. By gutting protections for migratory birds, HR 6021 undermines international conservation efforts and sets a disastrous precedent for future exploitation of endangered species.

In reality, this bill has nothing to do with "clarifying" existing law or promoting cultural heritage. It's a cynical ploy to line the pockets of well-connected stakeholders while sacrificing environmental integrity and public trust. The fact that it's named after Archie Cavanaugh, a former Alaska Native leader, is a transparent attempt to cloak this legislative travesty in a veneer of cultural sensitivity.

In short, HR 6021 is a symptom of a deeper disease: the corrupting influence of special interests on our democratic institutions. It's a stark reminder that, in Washington D.C., the only species that truly matters is Homo sapiens – specifically, those with deep pockets and well-placed connections.

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