In a landmark legislative moment, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law this Christmas week, including one that officially designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States.
While the bald eagle has symbolized American power and strength for centuries—adorned on the Great Seal since 1782—its status as the national bird had never been formally codified.
The newly signed legislation amends the U.S. Code, rectifying what many had assumed was already a fact.
“The bald eagle is the symbol of America’s values and independence,” said a White House official. Known for its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, the bald eagle has become a fixture on U.S. military insignia, the presidential flag, and currency.
A bird with a storied legacy
Native to North America, the bald eagle graces the Great Seal of the United States alongside an olive branch, arrows, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Despite its ubiquity, the bird’s designation as the national bird had remained informal—until now.
Interestingly, founding father Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the bald eagle in a letter, calling it a “bird of bad moral character” and advocating for the turkey as a better national symbol. Regardless of Franklin’s views, the bald eagle has become synonymous with the American spirit.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the bald eagle population has made a stunning recovery in recent years. A 2020 report estimated approximately 316,700 individuals, including 71,400 nesting pairs—a fourfold increase compared to 2009 figures.
Other legislative highlights from Christmas week
President Biden’s legislative marathon included measures addressing diverse issues. Among the 50 bills signed into law were:
- H.R. 5646: Establishes federal anti-hazing standards to combat violence and fatalities on college campuses.
- S. 1351: Supported by Paris Hilton, this measure targets child abuse in institutional facilities for at-risk youth.
- H.R. 5301: The Eliminate Useless Reports Act, aimed at reducing outdated and unnecessary federal agency reports.
- S. 932: Bars convicted members of Congress from collecting pensions.
- H.R. 663: Enhances tools for Native American tribes to address child abuse and family violence.
- S. 3998: Converts temporary judicial posts in 10 states, including Texas and California, into permanent roles.
- S. 4077: Names a post office in California after the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
- S. 5314: Dedicates a Veterans Affairs facility in Oklahoma to the late Sen. James Inhofe.
A final push before leaving office
As President Biden’s term winds down ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, this legislative flurry reflects Biden’s determination to cement his priorities and address lingering issues.
Earlier this month, Biden vetoed a bill to add 66 judges to understaffed federal courts, commuted the sentences of 37 federal death-row inmates to life without parole, and granted a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden. With his term drawing to a close, Biden’s sprint to the legislative finish line underscores his commitment to leaving a lasting impact, even as the nation prepares for its next chapter.