Designation of Bald Eagle As National Bird

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 4610, a bill that would amend chapter III of title 36 of the United States Code, which codifies various national symbols to designate the bald eagle as our national bird.

The bald eagle, native to North America, is a longstanding and cherished symbol, as well as one for whom football fans in my district share a special affection. However, it may surprise people to know that the law does not already designate the bald eagle as our national bird.

In 1782, the bald eagle was adopted as part of the Coat of Arms for the Great Seal of the United States. It has been incorporated into the Seals of the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the President and Vice President of the United States, and various government departments and agencies.

It is also deeply embedded into our culture as a symbol of patriotism, reflecting the strength, majesty, and grace of our great Nation.

However, by the 1960s, this powerful symbol of American freedom was on its way to extinction due to the combined impact of environmental hazards and habitat laws.

In the late 1970s, the bald eagle was designated as endangered in many of the lower 48 States. Today, its population has recovered significantly, thanks to targeted conservation measures spearheaded by the Federal Government and private individuals. These included habitat protection, the banning of certain poisons and pesticides, and captive breeding programs, all of which led to the bald eagle being removed from the endangered species list and to its becoming a symbol of how the Endangered Species Act can save wildlife from extinction.

The bald eagle population in the lower 48 States has increased from 417 nesting pairs in 1963 to more than 71,400 nesting pairs and 316,700 individual birds today. In bringing this bill to the floor, we applaud the efforts of Senators Amy Klobuchar, Cynthia Lummis, Markwayne Mullin, and Tina Smith, as well as Brad Finstad and Angie Craig.

I urge the House to pass this legislation to designate the bald eagle as the national bird, or as we say in Philadelphia, Go Birds.

Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, I urge all Members to pass it, and send it to the President's desk.

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