President Joe Biden signed Senate bill 4610 into law designating the bald eagle as the official US bird on Christmas Eve.
The big picture: The bill amends Title 36 of the US Code to recognize the bald eagle as the national bird.
- The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate and lower chamber without any opposition.
- The bald eagle symbolizes freedom and strength and has historical significance in the US.
Driving the news: Minnesota resident Preston Cook played a significant role in pushing for the bald eagle to become the official US bird.
- Cook, author of “American Eagle: A Visual History of Our National Emblem,” has long advocated for this designation.
- The bald eagle has been a symbol of American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782.
