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Managing America: Environment and Resources

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Week Ending May 4, 2006

S.RES.146 A resolution designating June 20, 2007, as "American Eagle Day", and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the American bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States.

The bald eagle was designated as the national emblem of the US on June 20, 1782 at the 2^nd Continental Congress. The bird is exclusive to North America. The symbol is used for the logos of most government departments and branches as well as stamps and currency.

Recognized as endangered in 1967 efforts have reversed the population decline as of 1995. June 20, 2007 is American Eagle Day

Sponsor:  Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent May1, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

Earmark Certification:   Not applicable to this resolution.

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Whereas, the bald eagle was designated as the national emblem of the United States on June 20, 1782, by our country's Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress;

Whereas, the bald eagle is the central image used in the Great Seal of the United States and the seals of the President and Vice President;

Whereas, the image of the bald eagle is displayed in the official seal of many branches and departments of the Federal Government, including--

(1) Congress;

(2) the Supreme Court;

(3) the Department of Defense;

(4) the Department of the Treasury;

(5) the Department of Justice;

(6) the Department of State;

(7) the Department of Commerce;

(8) the Department of Homeland Security;

(9) the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(10) the Department of Labor;

(11) the Department of Health and Human Services;

(12) the Department of Energy;

(13) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

(14) the Central Intelligence Agency; and

(15) the United States Postal Service;

Whereas, the bald eagle is an inspiring symbol of the American spirit of freedom and democracy;

Whereas, the image, meaning, and symbolism of the bald eagle have played a significant role in American art, music, history, literature, architecture, and culture since the founding of our Nation;

Whereas, the bald eagle is featured prominently on United States stamps, currency, and coinage;

Whereas, the habitat of bald eagles exists only in North America;

Whereas, by 1963, the number of nesting pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 States had dropped to about 417;

Whereas, the bald eagle was first listed as an endangered species in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation Act, the Federal law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973;

Whereas, caring and concerned citizens of the United States in the private and public sectors banded together to save, and help ensure the protection of, bald eagles;

Whereas, in 1995, as a result of the efforts of those caring and concerned citizens, bald eagles were removed from the `endangered' species list and upgraded to the less imperiled `threatened' status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973;

Whereas, by 2006, the number of bald eagles in the lower 48 States had increased to approximately 7,000 to 8,000 nesting pairs;

Whereas, the administration is likely to officially delist the bald eagle from both the `endangered' and `threatened' species lists under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, with a final decision expected no later than June 29, 2007;

Whereas, if delisted under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, bald eagles should be provided strong protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act;

Whereas, bald eagles would have been permanently extinct if not for vigilant conservation efforts of concerned citizens and strict protection laws;

Whereas, the dramatic recovery of the bald eagle population is an endangered species success story and an inspirational example for other wildlife and natural resource conservation efforts around the world;

Whereas, the initial recovery of the bald eagle population was accomplished by the concerted efforts of numerous government agencies, corporations, organizations, and individuals; and

Whereas, the sustained recovery of the bald eagle population will require the continuation of recovery, management, education, and public awareness programs, to ensure that the population and habitat of bald eagles will remain healthy and secure for future generations: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates June 20, 2007, as `American Eagle Day'; and

(2) encourages--

(A) educational entities, organizations, businesses, conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate on education information for use in schools; and

(B) the people of the United States to observe American Eagle Day with appropriate ceremonies and other activities.

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