The bald eagle is emblematic of America. It's on coins and bills, graces the Great Seal and inspired conservation efforts that brought the species back from the brink of extinction. Though it was first used as the national symbol more than 240 years ago, Congress had never made it official.

The bald eagle--in the United States---is a symbol of power and strength. In July, the Senate passed a bill to make the bald eagle the national bird and the House voted on it earlier this December with bipartisan support. On Tuesday, President Biden officially signed it into law.