Congress finally recognizes the bald eagle as America’s official national bird, solidifying a centuries-old symbol of freedom and strength.
Can you believe this wasn’t already the case?
At a Glance
- The U.S. House and Senate passed a bipartisan bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird
- The bald eagle has been an unofficial national symbol since 1782
- The bill acknowledges the bird’s significance in American culture and indigenous traditions
- The legislation awaits President Biden’s signature to become law
A Long-Awaited Recognition
In a move that may surprise many Americans who assumed it was already official, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on December 16 to designate the bald eagle as the official national bird of the United States. This legislation, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar and passed by voice vote in the House, follows the Senate’s unanimous approval on July 29. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk, awaiting his signature to enshrine into law what has been a de facto national symbol for centuries.
This legislative action formalizes the bald eagle’s status, which has been an unofficial national emblem since 1782 when it was placed on the Great Seal of the United States. The bird’s image, synonymous with American values of freedom, strength, and independence, adorns numerous state flags, seals, and various official documents.
The House is beginning up to 40 mins of debate on S. 4610 – A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the bald eagle as the national bird. (Sponsored by @SenAmyKlobuchar / Judiciary Committee).
— House Press Gallery (@HouseDailyPress) December 16, 2024
The bill highlights the bald eagle’s unique position as a symbol of American ideals and its importance to indigenous cultures. Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) emphasized this dual significance, stating, “The bald eagle is also important to Native American tribes across the United States. It plays a key role in sacred belief systems and traditions, stories, ceremonies, and insignias.”
While the bald eagle has long been protected by law, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, this new legislation does not introduce additional conservation measures. However, it’s worth noting that bald eagle populations have experienced a significant rebound in recent decades, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, showcasing successful conservation efforts.
The Path to Official Recognition
The journey to this official designation was spearheaded by Preston Cook, an “eaglevangelist” from Wabasha, Minnesota, in collaboration with the National Eagle Center. Cook’s passion for eagles, which began with a simple movie quote in 1966, has grown into a collection of over 40,000 eagle-related items housed at the National Eagle Center.
“I saw a movie called ‘A Thousand Clowns’ in 1966 and there was one line in the movie, ‘You can’t have too many eagles’,” Cook said. “I walked out of the theater and I said that might be an interesting thing to collect.”
The realization that the bald eagle wasn’t officially designated as the national bird came as a surprise to many, including the staff at the National Eagle Center. This discovery prompted Cook and the center to work with Congress to rectify this oversight, leading to the current legislation.
A Bipartisan Effort
The bill’s passage demonstrates rare bipartisan cooperation in today’s often divided political landscape. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) highlighted the bald eagle’s significance to her state, saying, “In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: we are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.”
This legislation adds the bald eagle to a chapter of U.S. law that designates other national symbols, including the national anthem, motto, floral emblem, march, and tree. It’s a testament to the enduring power of this majestic bird as a unifying symbol of American identity and values.
As we await the President’s signature, this act of Congress serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and the importance of preserving both our natural and cultural symbols for future generations.
Well, would you look at that? Congress can get things done.
