Subcommittee Advances Legislation Supporting Wildlife and Rural Communities

Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on four bills related to wildlife stewardship, conservation and water project operations. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response:

"In today's hearing, we discussed bills that highlight opportunities to conserve habitats, strengthen fisheries and preserve Alaska Native cultural traditions. The Natural Resources Committee remains focused on legislative solutions that ensure our conservation efforts are effective, our communities are supported and our natural heritage is passed on responsibly to future generations."

Background

H.R. 6021, the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska), clarifies that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not prohibit the possession, sale or transport of authentic Alaska Native artworks and handicrafts made with certain materials such as migratory bird feathers.

H.R. 6568, the Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Troy Downing (R-Mont.), reaffirms that the ownership, operational control and financial responsibility of the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel remains with the Bureau of Reclamation, not local farmers.

H.R. 7159, the Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026, introduced by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), clarifies regulations governing the possession of big cats established by the Lacey Act. It also creates a pathway to rectify mistaken registrations and clarifies import and export requirements for qualified facilities and the personnel who care for big cats.

H.R. 3276, the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), codifies the Urban Bird Treaty Program into a defined grant program to support the conservation of birds in urban areas.