Nicholas Begich (R-AK)
To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the transport, purchase, and sale of pelts of, and handicrafts, garments, and art produced from, Southcentral and Southeast Alaska northern sea otters that are taken for subsistence purposes.
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Subcommittee Hearings Held
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes an amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The goal is to allow for the transport, purchase, and sale of specific sea otter products. This specifically applies to northern sea otters from the Southcentral and Southeast Alaska stocks that are taken for subsistence purposes. It covers pelts as well as handicrafts, garments, and art produced from those pelets.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill supports subsistence-based economic activities that are often central to Native Alaskan communities and traditional crafts.
- Scored +4
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill supports economic development in rural Alaska by allowing the sale of subsistence-derived handicrafts and art.
- Scored +4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill allows individuals to engage in the commercial sale and export of subsistence-derived goods.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill eases restrictions on the commercialization of sea otter pelts and derived products.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Commercial opportunities for subsistence products: The bill would allow for the transport, purchase, sale, or even export of items like handicrafts, garments, or art made from the pelts of northern sea otters taken for subsistence in Southcentral or Southeast Alaska (Section 1).
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Flexibility in product creation: People creating these items would be able to sell their work regardless of whether the items are traditional or contemporary, or if they have been significantly altered (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill supports subsistence-based economic activities that are often central to Native Alaskan communities and traditional crafts. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill supports economic development in rural Alaska by allowing the sale of subsistence-derived handicrafts and art. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides potential new income streams for those engaged in subsistence harvesting and artisanal production.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill allows individuals to engage in the commercial sale and export of subsistence-derived goods. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill creates new commercial opportunities for the sale and export of sea otter products.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill expressly allows for the export of sea otter products, facilitating international trade.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill eases restrictions on the commercialization of sea otter pelts and derived products.
- 6/3/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 4/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House