Congress Approves Bill to Officially Name Bald Eagle as U.S. National Bird

The legislation, passed unanimously in the Senate and without objection in the House, awaits President Biden's signature to formalize the designation.

The bald eagle, a longstanding symbol of American freedom and strength, has never been legally designated as the national bird until now.
The bipartisan bill passed the Senate in July and the House on December 16, with no opposition in either chamber.
Minnesota lawmakers and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha played key roles in pushing for the legislation, citing the bird's historical and cultural significance.
Once endangered due to habitat loss and pesticide use, the bald eagle population has rebounded significantly, with over 316,000 individuals recorded in 2020.
The designation aligns the bald eagle with other official national symbols, such as the bison, oak tree, and rose, under U.S. law.