Val T. Hoyle

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Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6021, the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act. For over a century, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 has played an important role in protecting migratory birds across North America, but due to the rigid way the law is interpreted, a few Alaska Native artisans who use bird parts in their traditional arts and regalia have been criminalized for their craft. This legislation addresses the conflict. H.R. 6021 would direct the Department of the Interior and the State Department to work with Japan to clarify their Migratory Bird Treaty with the United States. It would make clear that authentic Alaska Native handicrafts made or sold with nonedible migratory bird parts are exempt from Federal law. This language ensures that while we will continue to have strong protections against wasteful harvesting and illegal poaching of birds, we are not doing so at the expense of Alaska Native traditions. This bill respects Tribal sovereignty, protects traditional knowledge, and maintains conservation integrity. I thank Representative Begich and Chair Westerman for working constructively across the aisle to come to an agreement we can all support. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.