[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10574-10576]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN EAGLE DAY

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1409) expressing support for designation of 
June 20, 2010, as ``American Eagle Day'', and celebrating the recovery 
and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United 
States.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1409

       Whereas, on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was officially 
     designated as the national emblem of the United States by the 
     founding fathers at the Second Continental Congress;
       Whereas the bald eagle is the central image of the Great 
     Seal of the United States;
       Whereas the image of the bald eagle is displayed in the 
     official seal of many branches and departments of the Federal 
     Government, including--
       (1) the Office of the President;
       (2) the Office of the Vice President;
       (3) Congress;
       (4) the Supreme Court;
       (5) the Department of the Treasury;
       (6) the Department of Defense;
       (7) the Department of Justice;
       (8) the Department of State;
       (9) the Department of Commerce;
       (10) the Department of Homeland Security;
       (11) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
       (12) the Department of Labor;
       (13) the Department of Health and Human Services;
       (14) the Department of Energy;
       (15) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
       (16) the Central Intelligence Agency; and
       (17) the Postal Service;
       Whereas the bald eagle is an inspiring symbol of--
       (1) the spirit of freedom; and
       (2) the democracy of the United States;
       Whereas, since the founding of the Nation, the image, 
     meaning, and symbolism of the bald eagle have played a 
     significant role in the art, music, history, commerce, 
     literature, architecture, and culture of the United States;
       Whereas the bald eagle is prominently featured on the 
     stamps, currency, and coinage of the United States;
       Whereas the habitat of bald eagles exists only in North 
     America;
       Whereas, by 1963, the population of bald eagles that nested 
     in the lower 48 States had declined to approximately 417 
     nesting pairs;
       Whereas, due to the dramatic decline in the population of 
     bald eagles in the lower 48 States, the Secretary of the 
     Interior listed the bald eagle as an endangered species on 
     the list of endangered species published under section 
     4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
     1533(c)(1));
       Whereas caring and concerned individuals from the Federal, 
     State, and private sectors banded together to save, and help 
     ensure the recovery and protection of, bald eagles;
       Whereas, on July 20, 1969, the first manned lunar landing 
     occurred in the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module, which was 
     named ``Eagle'';
       Whereas the ``Eagle'' played an integral role in achieving 
     the goal of the United States of landing a man on the Moon 
     and returning that man safely to Earth;
       Whereas, in 1995, as a result of the efforts of those 
     caring and concerned individuals, the Secretary of the 
     Interior listed the bald eagle as a threatened species on the 
     list of threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of 
     the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1));
       Whereas, by 2007, the population of bald eagles that nested 
     in the lower 48 States had increased to approximately 10,000 
     nesting pairs, an increase of approximately 2,500 percent 
     from the preceding 40 years;
       Whereas, in 2007, the population of bald eagles that nested 
     in the State of Alaska was approximately 50,000 to 70,000;
       Whereas, on June 28, 2007, the Secretary of the Interior 
     removed the bald eagle from the

[[Page 10575]]

     list of threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of 
     the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1));
       Whereas bald eagles remain protected in accordance with--
       (1) the Act of June 8, 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.) 
     (commonly known as the ``Bald Eagle Protection Act of 
     1940''); and
       (2) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.);
       Whereas, on January 15, 2008, the Secretary of the Treasury 
     issued 3 limited edition bald eagle commemorative coins under 
     the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem 
     Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-486; 118 Stat. 3934);
       Whereas the sale of the limited edition bald eagle 
     commemorative coins issued by the Secretary of the Treasury 
     has raised approximately $7,800,000 for the nonprofit 
     American Eagle Foundation of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to 
     support efforts to protect the bald eagle;
       Whereas, if not for the vigilant conservation efforts of 
     concerned Americans and the enactment of strict environmental 
     protection laws (including regulations), the bald eagle would 
     probably be extinct;
       Whereas the American Eagle Foundation has brought 
     substantial public attention to the cause of the protection 
     and care of the bald eagle nationally;
       Whereas November 4, 2010, marks the 25th anniversary of the 
     American Eagle Foundation;
       Whereas the dramatic recovery of the population of bald 
     eagles--
       (1) is an endangered species success story; and
       (2) an inspirational example for other wildlife and natural 
     resource conservation efforts around the world;
       Whereas the initial recovery of the population of bald 
     eagles was accomplished by the concerted efforts of numerous 
     government agencies, corporations, organizations, and 
     individuals;
       Whereas June 20, 2010, would be an appropriate date to 
     designate as ``American Eagle Day''; and
       Whereas the continuation of recovery, management, and 
     public awareness programs for bald eagles will be necessary 
     to ensure--
       (1) the continued progress of the recovery of bald eagles; 
     and
       (2) that the population and habitat of bald eagles will 
     remain healthy and secure for future generations: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the designation of ``American Eagle Day'';
       (2) applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins 
     by the Secretary of the Treasury as a means by which to 
     generate critical funds for the protection of bald eagles; 
     and
       (3) encourages--
       (A) educational entities, organizations, businesses, 
     conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared 
     interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate and 
     develop educational tools for use in the public schools of 
     the United States; and
       (B) the people of the United States to observe American 
     Eagle Day with appropriate ceremonies and other activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1409, expressing support 
for the designation of June 20, 2010, as ``American Eagle Day'' and 
celebrating the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the 
national symbol of the United States.
  The American bald eagle has been a part of American culture for 
hundreds of years. In 1782, the Second Continental Congress established 
that the bald eagle was the official emblem of the United States 
because of its uniqueness to North America. It can be seen on the 
United States seals in public buildings, in schools and even here in 
the House Chamber. Over the years, the bald eagle has become a living 
symbol of the United States spirit, freedom, and continual pursuit of 
excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, the bald eagle was on the endangered species list a 
little more than 45 years ago with only 400 nesting pairs in the whole 
United States. Through conservation, education and careful planning, 
the American bald eagle has thrived. As a result, the Department of the 
Interior has taken the bald eagle off both the endangered and 
threatened species list. The bald eagle has been a national symbol, and 
its recovery has been a national success story.
  House Resolution 1409 will not only honor the now-thriving American 
bald eagle, it will also encourage support of the United States Mint 
Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin program, which has been a success for the 
past few years.
  I want to acknowledge all that the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) 
and his staff, Matt Meyer, have done to bring attention to the American 
bald eagle and commend Congressman David Roe for introducing this very 
important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, the American bald eagle is indeed an American icon. I 
ask that my colleagues join me in supporting H. Res. 1409.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1409, designating June 20, 
2010, as ``American Eagle Day'' and celebrating the recovery and 
restoration of our Nation's symbol, the bald eagle.
  The Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress designated 
the bald eagle as our national emblem June 20, 1782, and its image has 
played a significant role in the culture of the United States ever 
since.
  However, the bird's survival was in question with only approximately 
417 nesting pairs remaining in the continental U.S. in 1963. The 
Department of the Interior had them listed as an endangered species.
  Concentrated efforts to save our symbol of freedom have been 
successful. The latest numbers estimate 10,000 nesting pairs in the 
lower 48 States and 50,000 to 70,000 bald eagles nesting in Alaska. The 
bird has been removed from the threatened species list and is thriving.
  As we celebrate the eagle's recovery, I want to take time to 
recognize the efforts of the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge, 
Tennessee. This group brings national attention to the cause of the 
protection and care of the bald eagle. The foundation has raised nearly 
$8 million for protection efforts through the sale of commemorative 
coins issued by the U.S. Treasury and should be commended for their 
continued success.
  Mr. Speaker, I remember as a young boy and as a youngster growing up 
in Tennessee, I never saw a bald eagle. And today, throughout the 
entire State you can go and people can visit and see bald eagles and it 
is really exhilarating to be on a lake or be out hiking in the woods 
and see these magnificent animals. I recall a trip I took some years 
ago fishing in Alaska, I looked up and I counted 12 bald eagles--and 
they were much better at fishing than I was. It is terrific what these 
folks have done in Tennessee to help maintain this wonderful animal. I 
thank the Congress for considering this resolution, and the gentleman 
from Texas for his kind words.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H. Res. 1409, designating June 20, 2010 as ``American Eagle 
Day,'' in recognition of the recovery of the American bald eagle from 
near extinction in the1960s. The bald eagle, our national bird, is a 
majestic animal and its symbolic importance in many aspects of United 
States history and government makes it richly deserving of celebration.
  Although an estimated 500,000 bald eagles lived in North America in 
the 1700s, only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles remained in the lower 
48 states by 1963. This was an abhorrent environmental tragedy and a 
blow to the national psyche. Thankfully, due to dedicated conservation 
efforts over the last 40 years, the bald eagle was officially removed 
from the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in 2007, and 
its total population is now more than 100,000.
  The full recovery of the bald eagle from the threat of extinction in 
the U.S. is a source of inspiration to those who hope to conserve 
wildlife and save endangered species. Furthermore, I applaud the use of 
funds from the sale

[[Page 10576]]

of bald eagle commemorative coins to continue rebuilding the bald eagle 
population and raising awareness of the bald eagle. My hope is that, 
with the support of Congress, the bald eagle need never again face 
neglect, and will continue to be celebrated by future generations.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1409.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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