S4610-118

What This Bill Does
This bill officially designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States by adding it to Title 36 of the U.S. Code alongside other national symbols like the flag and the national tree. The bill includes Congressional findings about the historical and cultural significance of the bald eagle, noting its adoption in 1782 for the Great Seal and its importance to Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities.

Who Benefits and How
This is a purely symbolic designation with no direct economic benefits or burdens. Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities receive formal recognition of the bald eagle's spiritual significance in their belief systems. Conservation organizations see acknowledgment of the successful bald eagle recovery efforts by federal, state, and local governments.

Who Bears the Burden and How
There are no new costs, restrictions, or requirements imposed by this bill. The legislation includes an explicit savings clause stating that the designation cannot be used to alter, change, modify, or otherwise affect any federal government plan, policy, management decision, regulation, or other action.

Key Provisions
- Officially designates the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as the national bird
- Lists 12 Congressional findings about the eagle's historical significance
- Acknowledges the bald eagle's importance to Indigenous and Tribal spiritual traditions
- Adds Section 306 to Chapter 3 of Title 36, U.S. Code
- Includes a savings clause preventing any policy or regulatory changes based on this designation