Bill That Would Set Up Export Licensing for Native American Artifacts to Have Hearing May 26

A bipartisan bill in the Senate called the "Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2021" will be the topic of a legislative hearing in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee May 26. If passed, it would explicitly prohibit the export of Native American cultural items or archeological finds covered by previous laws, and establish an export licensing system for Native American goods to make sure those exports are prevented. The same bill passed the Senate in December, lead sponsor Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said when the bill was reintroduced. The bipartisan Senate bill also has a bipartisan House equivalent, sponsored by Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M.; Don Young, R-Alaska; Tom Cole, R-Okla.; and Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan.