The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN EAGLE DAY” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H4392-H4393 on June 14, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
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 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 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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