United States 119th Congress Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

HR 8401 — 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.

Last action — Subcommittee Hearings Held

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 21, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Stalled 16% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill permits the sale and transport of products from northern sea otters in certain Alaskan regions.

This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the sale and transport of handicrafts and garments made from northern sea otters taken for subsistence in Alaska. It seeks to support cultural practices and economic growth in local communities.

What this means for you
  • Families: This bill may provide families in certain Alaskan communities the chance to engage in traditional practices and earn income through sales.

Summary

This bill aims to change an existing law so that people can legally sell and transport products made from northern sea otters in certain parts of Alaska, as long as those otters are taken for subsistence needs. This would allow local communities to use these resources for cultural practices and economic growth.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. Introduced in House

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

  4. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

  5. Subcommittee Hearings Held

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

taxation environment
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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 8401 do?
This bill aims to change an existing law so that people can legally sell and transport products made from northern sea otters in certain parts of Alaska, as long as those otters are taken for subsistence needs. This would allow local communities to use these resources for cultural practices and economic growth.
Who sponsors HR 8401?
HR 8401 is sponsored by Begich, Nicholas J. (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 8401?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 21, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HR 8401?
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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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