Here’s what Americans need to know.
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden officially signed a bill that assigns the bald eagle as the United States’ national bird. This legislation, which passed unanimously through both houses of Congress, amends Title 36 of the U.S. Code to formally recognize the iconic eagle as one of the country’s national symbols.
The bald eagle has long been a symbol of American strength and freedom. It has appeared on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 and is featured prominently on everything from official documents to military insignia and currency. Despite its widespread presence, the bald eagle has never officially been named the “national bird” until now. While it was designated the national emblem by Congress back in 1782, it wasn’t until this bill that the eagle was formally recognized as the national bird.
The legislation received widespread bipartisan support, passing unanimously in both the House and the Senate. It highlights the continued reverence for the bald eagle, which has also been protected by various acts over the years, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
In their statement, the White House thanked several key lawmakers for their efforts in pushing the bill forward, including lawmakers Amy Klobuchar, Cynthia Lummis, Markwayne Mullin, and Tina Smith, along with Representatives Brad Finstad, Angie Craig, and Tom Emmer. These leaders worked across party lines to ensure the bill’s passage, underscoring the bipartisan nature of the eagle’s importance to the nation.
This symbolic victory reinforces the bald eagle’s status as a powerful representation of American values—freedom, strength, and resilience—serving as a reminder of the enduring principles that unite the American people.