The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird, sending the measure to President Biden’s desk for final approval.
At a Glance
- The House passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States
- The Senate had previously passed the bill on July 29 by unanimous consent
- The bald eagle has been an unofficial national symbol since 1782, appearing on the national seal and various state emblems
- The bill recognizes the bald eagle’s significance in Native American culture and as a symbol of freedom and strength
- The legislation has bipartisan support and does not require any taxpayer funding
A Long-Awaited Recognition
In a move that may surprise many Americans who assumed it was already the case, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. The legislation, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar, sailed through both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support, reflecting the widespread reverence for this majestic raptor.
The bald eagle has long been associated with American ideals, gracing the national seal since 1782 and featuring prominently on state flags and government insignia. However, until now, its status as the national bird was merely unofficial. This new legislation seeks to correct that oversight, enshrining the bald eagle’s position in federal law alongside other national symbols like the anthem and motto.
Symbol of Freedom and Indigenous Heritage
The bill emphasizes the bald eagle’s unique significance to North America and its embodiment of core American values. Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) highlighted the bird’s widespread use in American iconography, stating, “The bald has long been associated with and a symbol of the United States. … The bald eagle appears on the flags and insignia of our military, on passports and currency. It appears on the flags of several states as well.”
This recognition of the bald eagle’s cultural importance to indigenous peoples adds depth to its symbolism, acknowledging its significance beyond its striking appearance and soaring flight.
A Grassroots Campaign Takes Flight
The push for official recognition was spearheaded by Preston Cook, an “eaglevangelist” from Wabasha, Minnesota, in collaboration with the National Eagle Center. Cook’s passion for eagles, sparked by a line from a 1966 movie, led him to amass a collection of over 40,000 eagle-related items. His dedication caught the attention of lawmakers, ultimately leading to this legislative action.
The bill’s passage through Congress was remarkably smooth, with both chambers approving it by voice vote or unanimous consent. This bipartisan support underscores the bald eagle’s unifying role in American culture, transcending political divisions.
A Symbolic Gesture with Real Impact
While the legislation doesn’t introduce new conservation measures or require taxpayer funding, its symbolic importance shouldn’t be underestimated. The official designation reinforces existing protections for bald eagles under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It also celebrates the species’ remarkable recovery from near-extinction, with populations rebounding significantly in recent decades according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
As the bill awaits President Biden’s signature, Americans can take pride in knowing that their unofficial national bird will soon have its rightful place in the U.S. code, alongside other cherished national symbols. This legislative act not only honors the bald eagle’s long-standing cultural significance but also reaffirms America’s commitment to the values it represents: freedom, strength, and resilience.
Sources:
House Passes Bill to Designate Bald Eagle as National Bird
One man’s mission to (finally) make the bald eagle the U.S. national bird
Bill to officially make bald eagle national bird heads to Biden’s desk
