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Heinrich Wants Tougher Law Against Trafficking Tribal Items

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S Sen. Martin Heinrich plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit items considered sacred by Native Americans and protected by U.S. laws from being exported to international markets. The legislation also proposes stiffer penalties for stealing and trafficking tribal religious and cultural objects, while setting an amnesty period for people to voluntarily return cultural items collected in violation of existing laws. Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico, and tribal leaders plan to discuss the legislation Monday in Albuquerque. His proposal comes as Acoma Pueblo awaits final word on whether a ceremonial shield leaders say was stolen and taken to Paris will be returned to their reservation. The sale of the shield was suspended after top U.S. officials and pueblo leaders lobbied French authorities to review claims it had been illegally removed from a home atop a mesa.