The bald eagle, long revered as America’s unofficial national bird, is set to receive official recognition, marking a historic moment in U.S. symbolism.
At a Glance
- The House passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States
- The bill, introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, passed the Senate unanimously in July
- The legislation recognizes the bald eagle’s significance in American culture and indigenous traditions
- The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law
- This designation carries no financial implications or additional conservation efforts
A Symbol of American Freedom Gains Official Status
In a move that may surprise many Americans who already considered it a fait accompli, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. This legislation, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar and passed by voice vote in the House on December 16, follows the Senate’s unanimous approval in July.
The bald eagle has long been an unofficial national symbol, protected by law and featured prominently on the national seal since 1782. Its image graces various state flags and seals, embodying the core American values of independence, strength, and freedom. This new legislation seeks to formalize its status in U.S. code, alongside other national symbols such as the anthem, motto, and floral emblem.
Cultural Significance and Bipartisan Support
The bill highlights the bald eagle’s unique position as a symbol exclusive to North America and acknowledges its profound significance in the spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous peoples and tribal communities. This recognition has garnered support across party lines, with representatives from both sides of the aisle expressing their approval.
Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) further emphasized the eagle’s widespread representation, noting, “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 ubiquity in American symbolism has made the bald eagle’s official recognition a natural progression in the eyes of many lawmakers.
The Journey to Official Recognition
The push for official designation was spearheaded by Preston Cook, an “eaglevangelist” from Wabasha, Minnesota, in collaboration with the National Eagle Center. Cook’s passion for eagle-related memorabilia, which includes a collection of over 40,000 items, played a crucial role in bringing attention to the lack of official status for the national bird.
This personal interest eventually led to a broader campaign to secure the bald eagle’s place in U.S. law. The effort has now culminated in bipartisan legislation that awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become official.
Conservation Success and Future Prospects
The bald eagle’s journey to becoming the official national bird is not just a story of symbolism, but also one of conservation success. Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the species has experienced a significant population rebound in recent decades, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
As the bill moves to the President’s desk, it’s important to note that this designation carries no financial implications or additional conservation efforts. Instead, it serves to codify a long-held national sentiment, ensuring that future generations of Americans will continue to recognize the bald eagle as a proud symbol of their nation’s values and heritage.
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
