Contact Congress about H.R. 5694: ARTIST Act

Alaska Native artists could more clearly make, sell, and ship real Native-made marine mammal ivory items. States could not ban those specific items, but federal officials could still limit hunting if a species is depleted.

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ARTIST Act is a House bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 588.

Latest action on H.R. 5694: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 588.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Alaska Native hunters, carvers, artists, clothing makers, and communities tied to marine mammal harvests. It could also affect buyers, galleries, dealers, and businesses that sell or move authentic Alaska Native items across state lines. State officials would also be affected because the bill would limit some state bans on covered Native-made ivory and marine mammal products.

Why this matters: This bill matters because Alaska Native artists and hunters can face unclear rules when they make or sell traditional items from marine mammals. The bill would make those rules clearer and would protect some sales across state lines. It could support cultural practices and income for Native communities. It could also limit how states enforce broader ivory bans, while keeping federal power to protect depleted marine mammal populations.

Key provisions in H.R. 5694

• The bill sets new rules for what counts as an authentic Alaska Native handicraft or clothing item. It must use natural materials, use traditional methods, be made by an Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo living on Alaska's North Pacific or Arctic coasts, and not use mass-copying tools.
• The bill defines marine mammal ivory. It includes teeth or tusks from walrus, narwhal, or whale, and it lists craft methods like carving, weaving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing, and painting.
• Covered Alaska Natives may take marine mammals for food or to make and sell authentic handicrafts and clothing. The taking must not be wasteful.
• An item sold across state lines as an authentic Alaska Native handicraft must truly meet the bill's definition. If it does not, the sale is not lawful under this rule.
• Edible parts from marine mammals taken mainly for handicrafts could still be used. They could be sold in Alaska Native villages or towns, or used for Native food.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5694

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5694

What is H.R. 5694?

Alaska Native artists could more clearly make, sell, and ship real Native-made marine mammal ivory items. States could not ban those specific items, but federal officials could still limit hunting if a species is depleted.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5694?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5694?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5694 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.