Bald Eagle Officially Designated as the National Bird of the United States
The newly enacted legislation, endorsed by President Joe Biden, emphasizes the cultural importance of the bald eagle in American society.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that officially designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, addressing what lawmakers deemed a previously ignored detail.
The bald eagle is distinguished by its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, and has represented American independence, strength, and freedom since it was “adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal” on June 20, 1782,” as stated in the bill.
According to the enacted law, the bald eagle continues to serve as “the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military.”
Congress also acknowledged the bird’s presence in government symbols, referring to it as “the leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate.”
The legislation further recognizes the bald eagle’s spiritual and cultural significance to Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities, describing it as “integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples” and “pervasive in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence.”
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Congress acknowledged the recovery of the bald eagle, crediting the “collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, State and local authorities, nonprofit organizations, and individual citizens” that facilitated the successful revival of the species.
The legislation also stipulates that this designation will not influence any current government policies.
“Nothing in … the adoption of the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States may be … used as a reason to alter … or otherwise affect” any federal government policy or action, the bill articulates.
This law formalizes the bald eagle’s position as a beloved national symbol, reinforcing its significance in both historical and contemporary American contexts.
The bill was championed by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
