Not everyone has always agreed on the national status of the bald eagle.
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin objected to the choice of the creature to represent the country, describing it as a “The bird with bad manners.” , external
But not all members of Congress shared Franklin’s sentiments.
Bald eagles, like other eagles around the world, have been viewed by many as symbols of strength, courage, freedom and immortality for generations, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Unlike other eagles, the bald eagle was native only to North America.
Legislation designating the bald eagle as the national bird was led by Minnesota lawmakers. The state is home to what Sen. Amy Klobuchar described as one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country.
The bald eagle is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, making it illegal to sell or hunt the creature.
The birds were once on the verge of extinction, but their numbers have increased significantly since 2009.
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 address campus violence and deaths.
