What This Bill Does
This bill would amend federal law to designate the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States. It would add two official paleontological symbols to chapter 3 of title 36 of the U.S. Code, which covers national symbols and related designations. The measure does not create a new benefit program or tax change; it is a symbolic designation affecting federal recognition and public-facing use of the titles.
- Designates the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal
- Designates Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur
- Amends chapter 3 of title 36 of the U.S. Code
- Creates an official federal recognition, not a spending program
Who This Bill Affects
For most people, this bill would have little to no direct day-to-day effect. If enacted, it would mainly influence how federal institutions, museums, schools, and public programs refer to the American mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex in official or educational contexts. There is no direct cost, benefit, or eligibility change for households.
See how this bill affects you — sign in for a personalized analysisWho Supports & Opposes This
- Museum educators and science communicators They may support the bill because official national designations can make paleontology more visible in classrooms, exhibits, and public outreach. A federal symbol can help draw attention to U.S. fossil heritage and encourage interest in science.
- Tourism and local heritage advocates They may see the designation as a low-cost way to promote fossil-related attractions, state museums, and educational tourism. National recognition can help communities market exhibits and events tied to prehistoric life.
- Constituents who favor symbolic civic legislation They may argue that Congress should also recognize shared cultural and scientific symbols, not only budgets and regulations. The bill is a simple way to celebrate an iconic part of natural history without creating new mandates.
- Fiscal conservatives focused on legislative priorities They may object that Congress should spend its time on issues with direct economic or policy consequences rather than honorary designations. Even if the bill has no major cost, they may view it as a distraction from more urgent work.
- Government minimalists They may argue that federal symbolic titles are unnecessary because museums, states, and educators already celebrate these fossils without congressional action. In their view, official designations add little practical value.
- Some science policy skeptics They may question whether Congress should be in the business of selecting official scientific symbols at all. Their concern is less about the fossils themselves and more about expanding federal involvement in symbolic recognition.
Key Implications
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““designate the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal””
This would give the mastodon an official federal title, which can be used in educational and ceremonial contexts. It does not change conservation rules or create a new program for fossil protection.
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““designate the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur””
This would make T. rex the country’s official dinosaur symbol in federal law. The main effect is public recognition, especially in museums, schools, and outreach materials.
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““amend chapter 3 of title 36, United States Code””
Chapter 3 is where Congress places many national symbols and honorary designations. Adding these fossils would place them alongside other official emblems used for civic and educational purposes.
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““and for other purposes””
This standard legislative phrase signals that the bill may include related conforming or technical changes. In practice, such bills usually focus on the named designation and any necessary legal housekeeping.
Latest Status
June 8, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.