In a bill bearing the rather ceremonious title, H.R. 8800, introduced on June 21, 2024, the bald eagle is poised to officially claim its role not just as a feathered emblem but also as the designated national bird of the United States. This effort, led by Mr. Finstad along with a bipartisan group of co-sponsors including Ms. Craig, Mr. Emmer, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Stauber, Mrs. Fischbach, Ms. Omar, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. Van Orden, and Mr. Beyer, is more than just a token legislative exercise; it is a declaration steeped in a mix of history, symbolism, and national pride.
So why, you might wonder, the extra push to designate the bald eagle as the national bird when it is already ingrained in the collective American consciousness? Here’s the scoop.
According to the findings section of this legislation, the bald eagle isn’t just any bird; it’s a potent symbol of independence, strength, and freedom—all characteristics Americans hold dear. Unique to North America, the bald eagle was adopted as part of the United States Great Seal back in 1782. The bill enumerates a litany of reasons for this official designation, citing the bird’s extensive use: it graces insignia for all branches of the military, logos for various government agencies, stamps, coins, and even state flags. It’s as if the bald eagle has flown directly into the very fabric of American identity.
But the bill doesn’t stop at just Federal symbology. It makes a strong case highlighting the bird’s cultural significance. For Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities, the bald eagle occupies a sacred space in their spiritual lives and sacred traditions. These communities see the bird as a totem present in ceremonies, stories, dances, and songs. In summary, the bald eagle is depicted as an emblem with deep-rooted spiritual and cultural implications beyond its generalized nationalistic appeal.
One might think the bill to be redundant—after all, doesn’t everyone already consider the bald eagle the national bird? Yet, these symbolic acts can be profoundly unifying, reinforcing shared values and collective identity. As the bill elaborates, bald eagle festivals occur in over 100 locations nationwide, celebrating a communal appreciation for this majestic creature that goes beyond an academic nod to its symbolism.
The proposed enactment would codify this status formally by amending Chapter 3 of title 36, United States Code, essentially engraving the bald eagle’s status into the law books. It’s not just a stamp of approval; it’s a definitive declaration that we indeed, as a nation, coalesce around this avian icon.
Now let’s talk practicality. You might be curious, will this designation change how the bald eagle is managed or protected? Not in the slightest. The bill includes a “Rule of Construction,” which explicitly states that adopting the bald eagle as the national bird has no bearings on any existing plans, policies, management decisions, or regulations by the Federal Government. It’s largely a symbolic gesture meant to formalize what is already well acknowledged in American society without altering any ecological or governmental frameworks pertaining to the bird.
In a world where legislative efforts often stall amid more contentious debates, the introduction of H.R. 8800 shines as an uncomplicated, unifying move. It skips the partisanship and discord typical of many Congressional proceedings and zeroes in on something that can stand as a point of national pride and collective agreement.
As it stands, the bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. From here, it will follow the legislative process, needing further approval from both the House and the Senate before landing on the President’s desk for a final signature. Given the wide bipartisan support it enjoys, one might expect its journey through legislature to be a relatively smooth flight.
In essence, this bill is symbolic patriotism etched on the wings of a bird that has long been the embodiment of the values upon which the United States prides itself. If passed, H.R. 8800 will allow Americans to cast their gaze skyward with even more reason to feel a sense of unity and pride, knowing their national bird soars both above them and within the legal lexicon of their country. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a small step for Congress but a giant leap for the ongoing narrative of what it means to be American.
