Not everyone has always agreed with the national status of the bald eagle.
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin objected to the creation representing the country by naming him “a bird of bad moral qualities.” , external
But not all of Congress shared Franklin’s sentiments.
Bald eagles, like other eagles around the world, have been seen as symbols of strength, courage, freedom and immortality for generations, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. And, unlike other eagles, the bald eagle was native only to North America.
Legislation to designate the bald eagle as the national bird was initiated by Minnesota lawmakers. The state is home to what Sen. Amy Klobuchar called one of the nation’s largest populations of bald eagles.
The bald eagle is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which makes it illegal to sell or hunt the creature.
The birds were once on the verge of extinction, but since 2009 the population has increased significantly.
The bald eagle bill was one of 50 pieces of legislation Biden signed into law on Christmas Eve, including a federal anti-hazing law to combat violence and death on college campuses.
