Rule of Construction
[Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(d)], Dec. 23, 2024, [138 Stat. 2700], provided that: “Nothing in this section [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note under this section], the amendments made by this section, or the adoption of the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States may be construed or used as a reason to alter, change, modify, or otherwise affect any plan, policy, management decision, regulation, or other action of the Federal Government.”
Findings
[Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(a)], Dec. 23, 2024, [138 Stat. 2699], provided that: “Congress finds that—“(1)
bald eagles are a historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength, and freedom;
“(2)
the bald eagle is unique to North America;
“(3)
on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal;
“(4)
the bald eagle image remains the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military;
“(5)
the bald eagle is the leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate;
“(6)
the bald eagle serves as the logo, trademark, and brand icon for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sports teams across the United States;
“(7)
bald eagles are integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities;
“(8)
bald eagles are prevalent in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence;
“(9)
bald eagle festivals are—
“(A)
held in over 100 locations across the United States; and
“(B)
key components of community engagement;
“(10)
the bald eagle is prevalent on—
“(A)
hundreds of United States stamps; and
“(B)
many United States coins and currencies;
“(11)
the bald eagle is a primary component and symbol on Federal and State flags throughout the United States; and
“(12)
joint efforts of the Federal Government and State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals have contributed to the successful recovery of the bald eagle.”