Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) announced their bipartisan legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. It is now heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“I am thrilled our bipartisan bill just passed the House,” said 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.”
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) cosponsored the legislation. Reps. 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) introduced the House companion bill.
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 has appeared 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.
