Bipartisan Klobuchar Legislation to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird is Signed into Law

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has been signed into law. This legislation was co-sponsored by Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: we are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Klobuchar. “The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength and with our legislation now signed into law, the bald eagle is officially our national bird.”

“This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782,” said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle – A Visual History of Our National Emblem. “With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity.”

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 design has gone on to appear 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.

In the Senate, the legislation was led by Klobuchar and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives 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).