United StatesBill would name the American mastodon and T. rex as national fossils
If enacted, the American mastodon would become the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex would become the national fossil dinosaur of the United States.
What it does
The American mastodon would be named the national fossil mammal, and the Tyrannosaurus rex the national fossil dinosaur, in federal law.
The chapter on national symbols would be renamed to include "Fossil," and the code's contents lists would be updated to match.
Argument forOfficial national fossils could raise public interest in science and natural history, and give teachers and museums a shared symbol to build lessons around.
Argument againstCongress may be spending time on symbolic titles instead of other priorities, and picking just two species could leave out other significant American fossils.
More detail
Congress would add a section to the federal code naming the American mastodon the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex the national fossil dinosaur. It adds these designations to Title 36 of the United States Code, which also covers national symbols like the anthem, motto, and bird.
The bill would add "Fossil" to the title of the federal chapter on national symbols and update the contents tables to match. It affects Chapter 3 of Title 36 of the United States Code.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 17Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.Latest
- Sep 16Ms. Lee (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Sep 16Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5938-5939)
- Sep 16DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9191.
- Sep 16Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5938)Passed House
- Sep 16Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 8Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-803.
- Sep 8Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 89.
- Jul 15Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 15Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 1.
- Jun 8Introduced in House
- Jun 8Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.Introduced
EducationGovernment & Ethics