The bald eagle, a powerful symbol of the US, has officially become the country’s national bird.
The move came Tuesday as President Joe Biden signed a bill into law to amend the U.S. Code. The bird of prey has represented American strength for nearly 250 years; Congress assigned it became the national emblem in 1782.
The bipartisan bill had been introduced in the Senate months ago by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). It was passed unanimously by Congress.
“The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength,” Klobuchar said in a speech statement after the passage of the bill.
“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,” she added. “With the passage of our legislation, the bald eagle will now be officially recognized as our country’s national bird.”