By SUZANNE DOWNING
Sept. 14, 2026 – Alaska Congressman Nick Begich has reached another milestone in his first term, with the US House passing the 14th bill he has introduced since taking office.
The House on Monday approved H.R. 6021, the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act. The measure protects traditional Alaska Native craftsmanship by clarifying federal law governing authentic Native handicrafts made with nonedible parts of migratory birds.
“Alaskans sent me to Washington to get to work and deliver results for our state,” Begich said. “Today, with our 14th bill passing the House, we are continuing a historic pace, but the number itself is not what matters.”
“What matters is what these bills mean for Alaska: lands returned, promises kept, traditions protected, opportunities restored, resources unlocked, and a stronger future for the next generation,” he said.
The legislation honors the late Archie Cavanaugh, an award-winning Tlingit master carver, silversmith and cultural leader from Southeast Alaska. Cavanaugh, a member of the Raven moiety and Kiks.ádi clan, was known for preserving and advancing traditional Tlingit art.
The bill is intended to ensure that federal migratory bird protections do not inadvertently interfere with legitimate Alaska Native cultural practices involving feathers and other nonedible bird parts in authentic handicrafts.
Its passage adds to what has become an unusually productive freshman term for Alaska’s lone member of the US House. Begich-sponsored legislation has addressed Alaska Native land entitlements, natural-resource access, aviation, infrastructure, Arctic security and economic development.
Six bills sponsored by Begich have already become law, tying the record for the most sponsored bills enacted during a freshman House term, according to the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking.
That record reflects a strategy Begich has described as identifying Alaska priorities early, developing relationships with lawmakers and using larger legislative packages when necessary to move Alaska provisions through Congress.
Begich, a Republican, took office in January 2025 after defeating Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. He is now seeking reelection to a second term.
The Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act now advances to the US Senate for consideration. The Senate reconvened on Monday after a five-week recess.
