36 U.S.C. § 306

“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.”

“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)

June 20, 1782 on , 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.”