Alaska Natives can sell traditional bird-part crafts legally

What it does

The bill lets Alaska Native artisans sell traditional handicrafts with bird parts. These include feathers in clothing or carvings. The State Department and Interior Department must work with Japan and Alaska Native groups. They will set clear rules for what counts as real Alaska Native art. The rules cover which bird species can be used. The rules also cover how items must be certified and sold.

Who it affects

Alaska Native artisans and communities gain the legal right to sell traditional crafts. These crafts are important to their culture and economy. The bill includes safeguards to protect bird populations and prevent illegal bird-taking.

One thing to notice

The Interior Department will write the detailed rules for what artisans can sell. How strict or loose those rules are will decide who benefits.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

• Nov 12, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Nov 12, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Natural Resources and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources”
• Feb 4, 2026 — Hearing held · Congress.gov: “Subcommittee Hearings Held”
• Jul 22, 2026 — Reported out of committee · Congress.gov: “Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent”
• Sep 14, 2026 — Passed the House · Congress.gov: “On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote”
• Sep 14, 2026 — Floor vote scheduled · Congress.gov: “Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• Alaska Native — Indigenous people who are native to Alaska
• handicrafts — Items made by hand, like clothing, carvings, or art