WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, President Joe Biden signed legislation introduced by Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States.
“The bald eagle is an enduring symbol of American freedom and values, and I am thrilled it is finally getting the recognition it deserves as our official national bird,” said Lummis.
“The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation,”said Mullin. “It’s only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I’m happy to see this signed into law by the president and was happy to work in a bipartisan fashion to get it to his desk.”
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.
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