U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

12/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/16/2024 18:19

Klobuchar, Lummis, Mullin, Smith Bipartisan Legislation to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird Passes Congress, Heads to the President’s Desk

Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced their bipartisan legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate. It will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"The bald eagle is a symbol of our country's freedom and strength. 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," said Sen. Klobuchar. "With the passage of our legislation, the bald eagle will now officially be recognized as our nation's national bird."

"I am thrilled our bipartisan bill just passed the House," said Sen. Lummis. "The bald eagle is an enduring symbol of American freedom and values, and thanks to bipartisan support, we are one step closer to officially designating the bald eagle as our national bird."

"The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation," said Sen. Mullin. "It's only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I was glad to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan effort and appreciate the House's swift consideration."

"The Bald Eagle has been a universally recognizable symbol of patriotism in this country for centuries, and they thrive in Minnesota because of our lakes and forestry," said Sen. Smith. "I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation designating the Bald Eagle as the official bird of the United States and am excited to celebrate its passage out of the House."

"More than two hundred and forty years ago, the Founding Fathers identified the bald eagle as a symbol of the strength and independence promised in our new nation. Since then, we have revered this majestic creature as the unquestionable icon of the United States," said Rep. Finstad. "Today, we rightfully recognize the bald eagle as our official national bird - bestowing an honor that is long overdue. In the First District, we are the proud home of the National Eagle Center, our country's only educational center dedicated to preserving the bald eagle and its historical and cultural significance. It has been an honor to work alongside them to make this historic moment a reality."

"This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782," said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle - A Visual History of Our National Emblem. "With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity."

The bald eagle has proudly been depicted as the national symbol of the United States since June 20, 1782, when our country's Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States. Since that time, the bald eagle design has gone on to appear on official documents, currency, flags, public buildings, sports teams, and other government-related items. Today, the bald eagle is synonymous with American life and this legislation will officially designate it as the National Bird of the United States.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Don Beyer (D-VA).

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