On the recordSeptember 8, 2014
This bill would provide an exemption to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the MBTA, for the sale of Alaskan Native handicrafts that seems consistent with exemptions provided to Alaska Natives in other important conservation laws, like the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. However, the MBTA is distinct from these other laws because it actually implements four separate treaties between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia; and it remains unclear if amending the MBTA, as proposed by Mr. Young's bill, would violate our treaty obligations to the other implementing nations. During our legislative hearing on this bill, the committee heard testimony from the Fish and Wildlife Service that the State Department should be consulted on any proposed amendments to the MBTA. However, we have not heard from the Fish and Wildlife Service or the State Department since that time. I support the rights of Alaskan Natives to create and sell traditional handicrafts. So while I feel it is important that we consider the impact that this bill may have on other existing treaty obligations, I will support this bill. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
