The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, sending the measure to President Biden’s desk for final approval.
At a Glance
- The House passed a bill on December 16 to designate the bald eagle as the official national bird
- The Senate had previously passed the bill on July 29 by unanimous consent
- The bald eagle has been an unofficial national symbol since 1782
- The bill highlights the bird’s significance in Native American culture and as a symbol of strength and freedom
- 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 the case, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. The bill, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar, passed by voice vote in the House, following its unanimous approval in the Senate on July 29.
This bipartisan achievement formalizes a status that many believed was already in place. The bald eagle has been a prominent symbol of American ideals since its placement on the national seal in 1782. Its image adorns various state flags, seals, and even appears on U.S. passports and currency.
Symbol of Strength and Freedom
The legislation emphasizes the bald eagle’s unique position as a symbol of independence, strength, and freedom, native to North America. This majestic bird has long captured the American imagination and has been protected by federal law for decades.
The bill also acknowledges the bald eagle’s significance in the spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous peoples and tribal communities across the United States. This recognition underscores the bird’s importance beyond its role as a national symbol, honoring its place in America’s diverse cultural tapestry.
A Grassroots Effort
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, which began with collecting buttons from his military uniform, has grown into a vast collection of over 40,000 eagle-related items housed at the National Eagle Center.
Cook’s dedication to the cause highlights the grassroots nature of this legislative effort, bringing together eagle enthusiasts, conservationists, and lawmakers to achieve this symbolic recognition.
Conservation Success Story
The bald eagle’s journey to becoming the official national bird is also a testament to successful conservation efforts. Once endangered due to habitat loss and the use of DDT pesticides, the bald eagle population has rebounded significantly in recent decades. This recovery showcases the effectiveness of wildlife protection laws and the resilience of this iconic species.
As the bill awaits President Biden’s signature, Americans can take pride in the official recognition of a bird that has long symbolized the nation’s ideals of liberty and strength. This legislative act not only honors the bald eagle’s historical significance but also celebrates its enduring presence in the American landscape and culture.
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
