New Legislation Would Make The Bald Eagle The National Bird

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Did you know that the bald eagle is not designated as the national bird?

We have a national mammal, the bison. A national flower, the rose and even a national tree, the oak.

The bald eagle has been depicted as a national symbol since 1782 when the founding fathers approved the Great Seal of the United States.

But no official designation.

Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith aim to change that with a new law.

The Democrats have joined Republican senators from Wyoming and Oklahoma to introduce legislation making the Bald Eagle the National Bird of the United States.

Two Minnesota representatives are leading a similar bipartisan push in the house.

“The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we are proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Klobuchar. “My bipartisan legislation will officially designate the bald eagle as our country’s National Bird.”

“The Bald Eagle has been a universally recognizable symbol of patriotism in this country for centuries, and they thrive in Minnesota because of our abundant lakes and forestry across North Country,” said Smith. “I’m proud to support this legislation designating the Bald Eagle as the official bird of the United States under federal law.”

Companion legislation is being 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).